The Philippines has decided to prohibit the importation of live goats from the United States following the discovery that several imported goats from America tested positive for Q fever, which can be transmitted to humans.
In Memorandum Order No. 26, issued on June 20, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. implemented this ban on live goats from the US. He indicated that the recent shipment of goats from the US, tested on June 19, was found to be positive for Coxiella burnetii, the bacterium responsible for Q fever.
The Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Animal Industry (DA-BAI) reported that out of 94 goats that arrived, 19 tested positive for the disease. The infected animals were subsequently culled to prevent further spread.
Tiu Laurel explained that there is no effective treatment or vaccination available for animals in the country, necessitating radical measures to protect the local ruminant industry and public health. He also ordered the immediate suspension of processing, evaluation, and issuance of sanitary and phytosanitary import clearance (SPSIC) for US-origin goats.
Additionally, he stated that all previously approved but unused SPSIC for these goats were canceled with the issuance of the memorandum. Shipments already in transit before the order was issued will be allowed, subject to quarantine and testing requirements.
The order took effect immediately and will remain until officially revoked. The Department of Health noted that Q fever can be transmitted to humans, particularly affecting farmers and animal handlers in close contact with infected animals, though human-to-human transmission is rare.
Symptoms in humans typically appear two to three weeks post-exposure and are usually mild, including fever, fatigue, headache, cough, nausea, and vomiting. Q fever in humans can be treated with antibiotics, according to the Health Department. To prevent infection, the DOH recommended avoiding contact with animals suspected to have Q fever.
Biosecurity Measures to Prevent Q Fever on Farms
- Quarantine New Animals: Isolate new livestock for at least 30 days and test for Q fever before integrating them into the existing herd.
- Regular Health Screening: Conduct regular health checks and Q fever testing on all livestock, especially those with a history of exposure.
- Proper Waste Management: Dispose of animal waste, bedding, and birthing materials promptly and safely, using incineration or deep burial to prevent contamination.
- Control Rodents and Wildlife: Implement measures to prevent rodents and wildlife, which can carry Q fever, from entering farm facilities.
- Clean and Disinfect: Regularly clean and disinfect animal housing, equipment, and vehicles used for transporting animals to reduce the risk of bacteria spread.
- Protective Clothing and Gear: Ensure all farm workers wear protective clothing, masks, and gloves when handling animals or cleaning areas where animals are kept.
- Restricted Access: Limit access to livestock areas for non-essential personnel and visitors to minimize potential exposure to the bacterium.
- Educate Farm Personnel: Train farm workers on recognizing symptoms of Q fever in animals and humans, and on proper hygiene practices to prevent infection.
- Ventilation Systems: Maintain adequate ventilation in animal housing to reduce airborne spread of Q fever bacteria.
- Report and Cull Infected Animals: Report any cases of Q fever to authorities and humanely cull infected animals to prevent further transmission.
Preventing Q Fever in Goats: Essential Nutritional Support
Maintaining the health and resilience of goats is crucial in preventing diseases such as Q fever, which can have significant implications for both animal welfare and public health. Alongside stringent biosecurity measures, ensuring goats receive optimal nutrition plays a pivotal role in bolstering their immune systems.
Key nutrients like Vitamins B-Complex, Iron, ADE (Vitamins A, D, E), and DCM (Dicalcium Phosphate with Vitamin D) are essential for supporting various aspects of goat health.
Vitamins B-Complex are vital for goats as they aid in energy metabolism and support a robust immune system, helping them fight off infections such as Q fever.
Iron plays a critical role in goats’ overall health by supporting oxygen transport in the blood, essential for maintaining vitality and resilience against diseases.
ADE Vitamins (Vitamins A, D, E) are essential for goats’ growth, development, and immune function. Vitamin A supports vision and reproductive health, Vitamin D aids in calcium absorption and bone strength, while Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells from damage.
DCM (Dicalcium Phosphate with Vitamin D) contributes to goats’ bone strength and calcium absorption, essential for their skeletal development and overall health.
Integrating these nutrients into goats’ diets can help fortify their immune systems and overall health, reducing their susceptibility to infections like Q fever. However, proper supplementation should always be guided by a veterinarian’s advice to ensure it meets specific herd requirements and complements existing nutritional intake.
By prioritizing comprehensive nutrition alongside rigorous biosecurity protocols, goat farmers can significantly enhance the resilience of their herds against diseases like Q fever, safeguarding both animal health and public safety. This holistic approach not only supports the well-being of individual goats but also promotes sustainable farming practices in the long term.
Mr. Jaycee de Guzman is a self-taught agriculturist and the patriarch of Alpha Agventure Farms, the number one backyard farm in the Philippines. His experience in livestock farming is rooted back in the early 90s. Mr. de Guzman is a computer scientist, a digital marketing strategist, an equity analyst for more than 20 years.