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BAI detects zoonotic disease called Q fever at breeding station

June 21, 2024 Cory Martinez 219 views

A ZOONOTIC disease called Q fever has been detected from some animals at a government breeding station in Marinduque, the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) said.

BAI said it already depopulated more than five dozen goats imported from the US afflicted with the disease caused by the bacteria Coxiella burnetii. The goats were bought for a dispersal program to farmers. \

Zoonotic diseases are infections that can spread from animals to people. These infections are caused by germs, such as viruses, bacteria, parasites and fungi.

Infected animals often show no signs of the disease, which can be transmitted to humans through birth products, urine, feces and milk.

The BAI confirmed the Q fever after conducting PCR (polymerase chain reaction) tests on blood samples from suspected cases, with results of confirmatory tests released late Wednesday.

Upon receiving information of the PCR test results, Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. ordered the immediate condemnation of all infected goats and animals exposed to the infected ruminants; the tracing of potentially infected animals; and a temporary ban on the importation of goats from the US.

He also ordered the preventive suspension of certain BAI personnel pending investigation, a review of BAI’s quarantine and disease control protocols, and potential blacklisting of the importer of the infected goats.

Two dozen imported goats left in the quarantine facility in Pampanga were also condemned even before conducting tests on the ruminants to eliminate any possible source of Q fever infection. Other animals within the Marinduque breeding stations were also culled.

“This is a very serious matter. We will leave no stone unturned to ensure that the health of Filipinos is not compromised.

It is imperative that we act immediately and decisively to eradicate this disease that poses serious threats to both animals and humans,” Tiu Laurel stressed.

BAI-National Veterinary Quarantine Services Division Chief Dr. Christian Daquigan said the bureau is “actively addressing” the cases in Marinduque.

“To ensure accurate and timely testing of suspected cases, BAI has directed the procurement of additional PCR reagents for emerging and re-emerging animal diseases.

BAI assures the public the bureau is committed to mitigating the spread of Q Fever. Our top priority is the health and safety of both animals and humans.

We will continue to monitor the situation closely and take all necessary actions to control the cases,” said Daquigan.

The DA assured the people of Sta. Cruz, Marinduque all necessary assistance to contain and eliminate the infection will be provided by the agency.

The US Center for Disease Control notes that while most people recover from Q fever without antibiotics, those displaying symptoms require treatment, typically with doxycycline.

The stringent measures implemented by the BAI and the DA underscore the government’s commitment to safeguarding public health and preventing the spread of infectious diseases in both animals and humans.

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