Cases of Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) seem to be tracking along the Murray River with detections at three more piggeries in South Australia.
The latest detections are in the local government areas of Loxton Waikerie, Murray Bridge and Coorong.
It brings the total number of piggeries affected in the state to four, while eight people are infected and one person has died.
Pork SA chair Andrew Johnson said the industry body had been in touch with the farms.
"The management staff and the owners are going well," Mr Johnson said.
"The severity of symptoms do vary [in the animals].
"I've been speaking with one of the producers and he barely knew that there was much of an impact."
Mr Johnson said increased stillborn or mummified pigs was one of the signs the virus was in a piggery.
"If you do see symptoms, don't be frightened about it," he said.
"There'll be no cost back to the farms on any testing and no restrictions placed either."
Vaccinations available
Workers at affected piggeries are able to access vaccinations now.
Mr Johnson commended SA Health on its work and said he expected vaccination hubs would be established to assist piggery workers.
"Once the program is developed it will be rolled out, so just please be patient and information will be rolled out."
While these detections have only just been announced, Mr Johnson said the infections may have occurred some time ago.
"There will be a lag period because any infections today or probably the last couple of weeks probably won't be seen for another month or two or three," he said.
"That's what we are hoping for."
He said the spread south had come as a result of high rainfall in the eastern states.
Pork still OK on your fork
Mr Johnson reiterated that as the virus was not a pig virus, and was instead transmitted by mosquitoes, pork products are safe to eat.
"The pork industry is going through another challenge and I thank our producers and consumers for continuing to support each other."
Mr Johnson also said he did not expect the virus to create any pork supply shortages.
Protect animals
South Australia's chief veterinary officer Mary Carr said it was important to protect animals from mosquito bites.
"PIRSA urges all pig and horse owners to reduce the risk by controlling mosquitoes on your property, through eliminating breeding areas and using chemicals responsibly," Dr Carr said.
Loxton Waikerie Council chief executive David Beaton reminded people to "fight the bite" by covering up in long, loose-fitting clothing and using mosquito repellent.
He said community education was important.
"We've had Ross River that's increased from time to time in the air when you have wetter summers," Mr Beaton said.
"It's a similar sort of principle to stop yourself from getting bitten any other year ... it's just that this deadly disease is about so it brings it more to the front of year and into sharper focus.
"While you might not have worried before about getting the odd mozzie bite this year you should make sure you don't get any at all."
