More than five dozen goats imported from the United States have been culled after detecting Q fever among some of the animals at a government breeding station in Marinduque, the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) said on Friday, June 21.
Q fever is a zoonotic disease caused by Coxiella burnetii, as described by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. Infected animals often show no signs of the disease, which can be transmitted to humans through birth products, urine, feces, and milk.
In a statement, BAI said the goats were bought for a dispersal program to farmers after conducting PCR (polymerase chain reaction) tests on blood samples from suspected cases, with results of confirmatory tests released late Wednesday.
The confirmatory test resulted in the order of Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. to order 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 U.S.
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.
“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,” Laurel said.
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.
For his part, BAI-National Veterinary Quarantine Services Division Chief Dr. Christian P. Daquigan said the bureau is “actively addressing” the cases in Marinduque.
"BAI is conducting extensive surveillance in the affected areas to identify and manage any new cases promptly. Additionally, BAI is collaborating with the Local Government Unit for further actions within Marinduque,” said Daquigan.
"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 that 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,” he added.
Dauigan also assured the municipality of Sta. Cruz, Marinduque that all necessary assistance to contain and eliminate the infection will be provided by the agency.
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,” he said.