Report Menangle virus
Report unusual disease signs, abnormal behaviour or unexplained deaths in livestock and other animals. Ring the 24 hour EAD hotline on 1800 675 888.
Menangle virus
Menangle virus is a viral infection that has caused a single outbreak of reproductive diseases in a piggery near Sydney in 1997. Following identification, the disease was eradicated from the piggery. Subsequent surveys have failed to detect any evidence in any Australian pigs.
Disease information
What does Menangle virus look like?
Menangle virus infects pigs, however, is carried by fruit bats, Bats generally show no clinical signs.
Signs of infection only occur in pigs and include:
- Reduced farrowing rates
- Abortions
- Pseudopregnancy following early embryonic loss.
- Small litters
- Mixture of mummified, stillborn and autolysed foetus
Post mortem examinations of the foetus may show
- Generalised CNS degeneration or agenesis
- Arthrogryposis
- Scoliosis
- Craniofacial abnormalities
- Doming of the skill.
What should I do if I suspect Menangle virus?
If you suspect Menangle virus, you have a legal duty to notify your suspicion immediately by calling Local Land Services on 1300 795 299, or the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline 1800 675 888. LLS or NSW DPIRD will provide advice and facilitate an investigation if Menangle virus is a possibility.
How is it diagnosed?
Infection with Menangle virus can mimic many other diseases so laboratory testing of pigs is important in diagnosing Menangle virus.
Samples to submit
The best samples to submit are whole aborted, mummified or stillborn foeti.
Fresh and fixed samples from foetal tissues can also be submitted.
10mL of clotted blood, in a red top tube can also be submitted from affected sows.
Your private herd veterinarian or LLS veterinarian will arrange for testing. Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute (EMAI), Woodbridge Road, Menangle NSW 2568. A specimen submission form must accompany specimens submitted to the laboratory. Please contact EMAI to arrange a courier or to obtain further advice, during business hours on 1800 675 623 or at laboratory.services@dpi.nsw.gov.au.
How is it spread?
Menangle virus circulates in fruit bats; however, the exact transmission method is not known. It is likely that pigs become infected after ingestion of bat urine or faeces.
Once present in a pig herd, pigs in close proximity may be infected, however transmission between pigs seems slow and not guaranteed.
Does Menangle virus affect people?
People who have close contact with pigs have been reported to become infected. This was following contact with bodily fluids from infected pigs, without PPE.
Other key information and resources
Menangle virus has not been found in any Australian pigs since the single outbreak occurred in 1997
Prevention and treatment
Prevention of Menangle virus is centred about ensuring that bat faeces and urine are not ingested by pigs. This includes shedding pigs or feeding pigs under shelter. Where bats can’t roost.
Any runoff from these sheds or shelters must not enter the pig pen as they may be contaminated.
There is no treatment for Menangle virus.
Reporting animal biosecurity emergencies
Some animal pests and diseases, or residues in animal products or stock feed can have serious consequences for trade, production or human health. By remaining vigilant and acting quickly if you suspect a significant animal pest, disease, or residue you may be able to prevent these consequences. Don’t delay! Contact Local Land Services or ring the 24 hour hotline: