Recent rainfall and flooding have seen an increase in mosquito-borne diseases, which can affect horses and humans.
Agriculture Victoria has advised that Murray Valley encephalitis (MVE) was recently detected in mosquitos in Northern Victoria, with a significant risk in Mildura. MVE joins Japanese Encephalitis virus, Kunjin/West Nile Virus and Ross River Fever as potential threats to horses and humans.
Public health advice for Mildura
Residents and people visiting Mildura are strongly advised to take measures to reduce their risk of mosquito bites:
• Wear appropriate repellent at all times when outdoors
• Cover up – wear long, loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing
• Avoid time spent outdoors at dusk and dawn if possible
• Event organisers should consider their obligations to keep event attendees safe. This includes making them aware of the risk of mosquito exposure and necessary protective measures. Organisers may wish to postpone outdoor events or relocate them indoors during this period, particularly for events scheduled around dawn and dusk.
Mosquito borne viruses share common symptoms including fever, lethargy, or excitability, and in severe cases, neurological deficits including incoordination, depression, changes in temperament and confusion. Participants are advised to closely monitor their horses for signs of infection and to contact a vet immediately if symptoms are detected.