Livestock owners are urged to watch for signs of Japanese encephalitis in their animals, with routine surveillance indicating the virus remains present in parts of regional NSW.
Minister for Agriculture and Western NSW Dugald Saunders said mosquito numbers are expected to rise in the coming weeks, given the extended periods of wet weather across the State.
"As we recover from high rainfall and head into warmer temperatures, the conditions are ideal for Japanese encephalitis to spread," Mr Saunders said.
"While Japanese encephalitis does not present a food safety risk and all Australian-grown pork remains safe to eat, the virus can cause reproductive failures in pigs, with 50-70 per cent losses reported in previously affected populations.
"We're encouraging farmers to be on high alert for ill livestock, with clinical signs of infection including a high temperature, jaundice, lethargy, anorexia and neurological signs including incoordination and impaired vision.
