ILOILO City – The Department of Agriculture (DA) has expanded its animal border protocols across Western Visayas following the threat posed by Query (Q) fever.
This decision by DA Region 6 follows the confirmation by the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) that the country recorded its first cases of Q fever in imported goats from the United States last week.
Q fever is a zoonotic disease caused by the Coxiella burnetii bacteria, primarily affecting cattle, sheep, and goats. It is transmissible to humans through contact with infected animals or exposure to their excreta or body and birthing fluids.
In humans, Q fever can cause chills, fever, and muscle pain and may lead to severe liver and heart complications if untreated.
Despite no current reports of Q fever in Western Visayas, which affects both domestic ruminants and humans, the DA-6 has strengthened its animal border controls. It is working closely with local government units (LGUs) and BAI personnel to safeguard the local ruminant industry.
An advisory issued by the DA-6 in its Facebook page this Monday urged the public to remain vigilant but reassured them of the region’s current Q fever-free status.
Stakeholders are encouraged to practice strict biosecurity measures, report any unusual animal deaths or abortions to their respective veterinary or agriculture offices for proper assessment and control.
The Regional Animal Diseases Diagnostic Laboratory (RADDL) is prepared to diagnose a variety of animal diseases, including parasitism, Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis (CAE), pneumonia, and gastrointestinal issues.
“The Department is on full alert and ready to implement all necessary measures to maintain our status as a Q fever-free region,” added the DA-6 statement.
Region 6 contributes significantly to the national goat inventory, with 376,312 heads, making up 9.66 percent of the total.
In a recent press conference, Dr. Christian Daquigan, officer-in-charge of the BAI National Veterinary Quarantine Services Division, reported that 19 samples from imported goats tested positive for Q fever.
These goats, intended for a farmer dispersal program, were depopulated in secluded farms in Pampanga and Marinduque to prevent the spread of the infection.
In total, 94 imported goats were condemned as a precaution.
Daquigan emphasized that the BAI is actively tracing potentially infected animals to contain the disease and prevent further outbreaks. The agency has not recorded any major outbreaks and is conducting extensive surveillance in the affected areas.
DA Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa announced that a fact-finding team has been formed to investigate the situation further.
He also mentioned that a temporary importation ban on goats from the US would soon be issued until the source of the infection is fully traced.
He disclosed that the imported goats arrived in the Philippines last January and underwent mandatory testing, which confirmed the Q fever in February and subsequently in June after further testing.
Meanwhile, Daquigan assured that the meat and milk from local goats are safe for consumption, provided they are properly cooked and pasteurized, especially in light of the increasing popularity of goat’s milk.
The Department of Health (DOH) reiterated that human-to-human transmission of Q fever is rare, and the disease is generally mild and treatable with antibiotics.
It advised the public to avoid contact with animals suspected of carrying Q fever and to seek medical consultation if exposure is suspected.
DOH explained that symptoms in humans develop within two to three weeks after exposure and are commonly non-specific and mild. These include fever, fatigue, headache, cough, nausea and vomiting. (With a report from the Philippine News Agency)/PN
