Dozens of feral pigs have been spotted roaming around in Darwin's outer northern suburbs, prompting concerns over the spread of Japanese encephalitis.
Since March this year, the NT Health Department has identified at least 44 feral pigs infected with the virus across the Top End, including in the Victoria Daly, Litchfield, Marrakai-Douglas Daly and Cox-Daly region, as well as the Tiwi Islands.
Now, locals are spotting feral pigs just three kilometres from residential homes in Darwin's north.
It is unknown if these pigs are carrying disease.
Speaking to ABC Radio Darwin, local wildlife photographer Tissa Ratnayeke said he was surprised to find "a huge big mob of pigs" at Leanyer Swamp on Saturday.
"All up there were probably close to 20 pigs in that area, which really surprised me at 6:30 in the evening," he said.
"They looked quite healthy — they were obviously well-fed."
The Northern Territory government said previous testing of a "deceased feral pig in the Leanyer Swamp area found it was not carrying Japanese encephalitis", and that "surveillance" was ongoing.
Further down in Darwin River, about 60km south of the city, Denise Lawungkurr Goodfellow was recently confronted by nine feral pigs on the edge of her property while gardening in the backyard.
"Bella and Poppy, our two dogs, start barking... next thing, these two big pigs and their piglets appear around the corner," she said.
"All we had for protection were a big rubbish, bin, a pole and some plastic bags I use for weeding."
Ms Goodfellow said the pigs were eventually chased off by the dogs, but have returned to the property several times since.
"They're not phased ... they're not scared of people," she said.
"Most people around here are seniors — as we are — and are concerned.
"What happens if they're hurt or killed by one of these pigs?"
But a feral pig attack on vulnerable Territorians is not her only concern.
Ms Goodfellow, who has experienced encephalitis firsthand, said "nobody wants to catch it".
"I woke up with a headache and I couldn't hold a paintbrush," she said.
"I found I couldn't judge the distance between two stairs ... and then I developed a speech impediment — I'd go to say a word then forget the last two syllables."
In a statement, NT Health's medical entomology unit director Nina Kurucz said Japanese encephalitis (JE) was a serious disease.
"The highest risk period for being bitten by an infected mosquito is after sundown within five kilometres of wetlands, where feral pigs and water birds potentially infected with JE are present," she said.
"The best way to prevent JE and other mosquito-borne viruses is to avoid getting bitten. "
Some tips to avoid mozzie bites are:
- use a good insect repellent on exposed skin
- wear long-sleeved clothing
- prevent them getting into your home with fly screens.
There have been no cases of human-to-human transmission, and you cannot get the virus from eating pork products.
The NT Government said it was exploring options for "further testing and management of feral pig populations in consultation with key stakeholders".
