BAGUIO CITY: The Department of Agriculture (DA) – Cordillera has advised animal raisers to always observe biosecurity measures to protect themselves against animal disease.
Dr. Leisley Deligen, officer in charge of the DA-Cordillera’s regulatory division, said in an interview Wednesday evening that biosecurity measures would be the basic protection against avian flu, African swine fever, and the most recent zoonotic disease, Q Fever affecting goats.
“Use personal protective equipment, such as gloves, mask, and boots in rearing animals. Practice biosecurity measures. Use tick control measures,’ he said, urging animal raisers to also report to veterinary authorities when sporadic abortions are observed, a common sign of Q Fever.
He cited the need to ‘quarantine new animals at least 28 days before introducing them to the stocks, control the entry of stray animals and vermin, fencing of the farm, disinfect and sanitize all equipment after use, disinfect all vehicles entering the farm, and use foot baths upon e
ntry of visitors.”
Last month, the DA discovered and confirmed the presence of Q Fever among goats imported from the United States in an animal breeding station in Marinduque. The animals were immediately culled to prevent the spread of the disease, which is caused by the Coxiella burnetii bacteria and is transmitted through tick bites.
Deligen said animals infected with Q Fever ‘usually recover’ and that ‘Q fever is still considered a reportable disease since its economic importance lies in the losses in offspring production due to abortion as a result of the disease.”
DA-Cordillera data shows that based on animal inventory by province, the region has 28,719 goat heads, with 20,869 being raised in Abra.
Aside from observing strict biosecurity, people who are in contact with the animals are predisposed to the disease through the same manner animals get them.
‘This emphasizes the need to use PPEs (protective personal equipment) when rearing animals,’ he said.
Deligen also mentioned that although most cas
es of Q fever in humans are subclinical, it manifests in a flu-like manner with gastrointestinal disturbance (diarrhea and vomiting), thus, the strengthened education and information campaign among stakeholders.
‘But pregnant females may develop complications and may cause stillbirths and abortion. Transmission from man to man is rare,’ he said.
Source: Philippines News Agency
