Virus fight: Secretary for Health, Welfare & Food Dr York Chow briefs the media.

A trial vaccination programme for pigs against Japanese encephalitis is being considered, Secretary for Health, Welfare & Food Dr York Chow says, adding he is concerned over the five local cases recorded this year.

Dr Chow said the figure is high compared to cases reported in recent years.

As Culex tritaeniorhychus mosquitoes, the principal vector of Japanese encephalitis, are infected by feeding on infected pigs and wild birds, the Centre for Health Protection and the Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department are studying the implementation details of the trial.

Dr Chow said the move aims to reduce the risk of the virus threatening public health. It will also help lower the risk of pigs, a host of the virus, from becoming a source of infection.

He said the trial will take at least two months to materialise as the the mechanism and implementation details have to be worked out.

While the threat of mosquitoes will be easing with the approach of winter, Dr Chow said anti-mosquito operations will continue, and the public should take measures against mosquito bites.