A Kansas State University professor is working on a project to tackle the threat of Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) to U.S. pig health. Jürgen A. Richt is one of six researchers awarded funding for JEV research to help improve prevention and response strategies in the U.S.

Richt, a distinguished professor at K-State’s College of Veterinary Medicine, is leading a study to develop a model to better understand how JEV affects pregnant pigs. The virus is spread by infected mosquitoes and can cause problems like abortions, stillbirths, and weak piglets. Richt’s research aims to improve methods for studying JEV and its impact on pig pregnancies, with the goal of reducing risks and finding solutions quickly.

The project is a collaboration with the Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness in Geelong, Australia.