DA-BAI confirms first case of human transmissible ‘Q fever’ in US-imported goats

The Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Animal Industry (DA-BAI) on Friday confirmed the very first case of human-transmissible Q fever in dozens of goats imported from the United States, which were bought at a government breeding farm in Marinduque and a quarantine facility in Pampanga.

At a press conference, DA Assistant Secretary and spokesperson Arnel de Mesa said that out of the 94 goats which arrived in the country, “19 samples tested positive” for Q fever.

BAI National Veterinary Quarantine Services Division officer-in-charge chief Christian Daquigan said that Q fever is a widespread zoonotic disease caused by the bacteria Coxiella burnetii.

Daquigan said Q fever “poses a public health concern as it can be transmitted to humans through contact with infected animals or their excreta and body fluid.”

In a press statement, the DA-BAI said it has already depopulated more than five dozen of the goats imported from the US following the detection of Q fever among some of the animals at a government breeding station in Marinduque.

The goats were bought for a dispersal program to farmers, the agency said.

Moreover, two dozen of the imported goats left in the quarantine facility in Pampanga were also condemned even before conducting tests to eliminate any possible source of Q fever infection. 

Other animals within the Marinduque breeding stations were also culled, the agency said.

The DA-BAI said it confirmed the Q fever case after conducting PCR or polymerase chain reaction tests on blood samples from suspected cases, with results of confirmatory tests released late Wednesday, June 19.

Upon receiving information of the PCR test results, the DA-BAI said Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. ordered the immediate condemnation of all infected goats and animals exposed to the infected ruminants, the tracing of potentially infected animals, and a temporary ban on the importation of goats from the US.

The Department of Health explained that symptoms in humans develop within two to three weeks after exposure, and are commonly non-specific and mild. 

Among the symptoms include fever, fatigue, headache, cough, nausea, and vomiting, the DOH said. It added that Q fever can be cured through antibiotics. 

Further, Tiu Laurel also ordered the preventive suspension of certain BAI personnel pending investigation, a review of BAl's quarantine and disease control protocols, and potential blacklisting of the importer of the infected goats, according to the agency.

"This is a very serious matter. We will leave no stone unturned to ensure that the health of Filipinos is not compromised. It is imperative that we act immediately and decisively to eradicate this disease that poses serious threats to both animals and humans," said the Agriculture chief.

Daquigan, likewise, said the DA-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," the DA-BAI official said.

"To ensure accurate and timely testing of suspected cases, BAI has directed the procurement of additional PCR reagents for emerging and re-emerging animal diseases. BAl assures the public that the bureau is committed to mitigating the spread of Q Fever. Our top priority is the health and safety of both animals and humans. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and take all necessary actions to control the cases," Daquigan said.

The Department of Agriculture assured the municipality of Sta. Cruz, Marinduque that all necessary assistance to contain and eliminate the infection will be provided by the agency.

DA said the stringent measures implemented by the BAl and the department underscore the government's commitment to safeguarding public health and preventing the spread of infectious diseases in both animals and humans.—With Vince Ferreras/AOL, GMA Integrated News