Q Fever enters PH via imported goats

FOLLOWING a report released by the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) on Friday, the Philippines has recorded its first case of Q Fever, which originated from samples collected from goats imported from the United States. 

The BAI said Tuesday that blood samples taken from goats imported by the government and a private organization tested positive for Q fever, a disease that may be transferred to humans. 

According to Dr. Christian Daquigan, the official in charge of the BAl’s National Veterinary Quarantine Services Division, the majority of the goats who tested positive for the disease are from Pampanga and Marinduque.

Arnel de Mesa, DA Assistant Secretary and spokesperson, also stated that 19 samples from the 94 goats that arrived in the nation tested positive for Q fever. 

As a result, the government purchased all 94 imported goats to prevent the sickness from spreading any further. Currently, no confirmed human cases have been reported locally. 

What is Q fever?

According to GMA News, the Department of Health (DOH) stated that Query fever, also known as Q fever, is a zoonotic disease caused by the bacteria Coxiella burnetti.

It can be transmitted to people, particularly by farmers and animal workers who come into close contact with diseased animals. However, human-to-human transmission is extremely rare. 

Furthermore, the DOH stated that symptoms of the sickness in humans appear two to three weeks after exposure and are typically non-specific and mild. 

The symptoms are fever, lethargy, headache, cough, nausea, and vomiting. According to the Department, using antibiotics can also help cure Q fever.

Meanwhile, Filipinos are being assured that the government is taking the required steps to avoid the spread to animals and humans. The BAI has also suspended or temporarily restricted the importing of goats from the US. 

“This is a very serious matter. We will leave no stone unturned to ensure that the health of Filipinos is not compromised,” said Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr.

“It is imperative that we act immediately and decisively to eradicate this disease that poses serious threats to both animals and humans,” he added.

The severe procedures imposed by the BAl and the department demonstrate the government’s commitment to public health and limiting the spread of infectious diseases in both animals and people.