The Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) said they are swiftly addressing an outbreak of Q fever detected in imported goats at a government breeding station in Marinduque province.
The zoonotic disease, transmissible from animals to humans, prompted a decisive action to safeguard public health and minimize economic disruptions.
“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 BAI-National Veterinary Quarantine Services division chief Christian Daquigan.
Q fever, caused by zoonotic bacterium Coxiella burnetii, silently infects animals but can spread to humans through birthing products, urine, feces and milk.
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control confirmed the existence of Q fever. The US Center for Disease Control and Prevention, however, clarified that most people recover from Q fever without antibiotics.
Those displaying symptoms that can resemble the flu may require treatment with doxycycline.
The recent outbreak in Marinduque triggered a series of measures by the BAI to contain the disease and prevent further spread. These measures prioritize protecting both animal and human health.
The BAI culled all confirmed infected goats and animals potentially exposed to the disease to break the chain of transmission and prevent further outbreaks.
The BAI said it is actively tracing animals that may have come into contact with the infected goats, either at the breeding station or during transportation, ensuring no pockets of infection remain undetected.
It is also working closely with the local government unit (LGU) of Marinduque, leveraging local resources and expertise to effectively manage the situation on the ground.
The BAI directed the procurement of additional PCR reagents for emerging and re-emerging animal diseases to ensure an accurate and timely diagnosis of Q fever.
The investment in diagnostic capabilities will expedite the identification of infected animals and inform targeted control measures.
The DA and BAI assured the public their top priority is the health and safety of both animals and humans.