Goats from the Shepherdess Land and Livestock Company walk past a water storage tank for firefighting helicopters during a demonstration of prescribed grazing methods for fire fuels reduction at the Los Angeles County Fire Department’s Helispot 69Bravo in the Santa Monica Mountains on August 20, 2024 in Topanga, California. – The use of herbivores including sheep and goats can be a more effective method of reducing wildfire fuels instead of machinery while also improving ecosystem health in an environment impacted by climate change. (Photo by Patrick T. Fallon / Agence France-Presse)
The Department of Agriculture (DA) has lifted the ban on importing live goats from the United States since the Q fever disease is no longer prevalent there.
Memorandum Order No. 43 will be in force immediately.
Article continues after this advertisementIt stemmed from American authorities’ report to the World Organization for Animal Health, which said there were no longer Q fever cases in the United States.
FEATURED STORIES BUSINESS National ID gives more Filipinos ‘face value BUSINESS BIZ BUZZ: Unwinding Gogoro … quietly BUSINESS Polvoron maker seeks P500 million capital for expansionThe DA imposed the temporary import ban via Memorandum Order No. 26 issued in June as the US detected Coxiella burnetti on imported goats.
READ: 88 animals killed in Marinduque to curb spread of Q fever
Article continues after this advertisementShortly after, the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) culled more than five dozens of goats sourced from the US and implemented stringent measures to prevent the spread of infectious diseases to both humans and animals.
Article continues after this advertisementIn an interview on Wednesday, Agriculture Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa said there were no longer active Q fever cases in the Philippines.
Article continues after this advertisement“The Q fever has been controlled but then again, we’re still cautiously optimistic that … the disease is [just] there. We just don’t know when it will become active again. But for us, at the BAI and the DA, we have already controlled [it],” he said.
READ: DA: No active cases of Q fever in PH, final report out soon
Article continues after this advertisementThe BAI confirmed the country’s first case of Q fever in June.
According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), the rare illness affects both humans and animals. A person may catch the disease through contaminated milk or when they come into contact with the fetus, placenta or fluids from an infected animal.
Subscribe to our daily newsletter
The ECDC said some people don’t have symptoms, while others will experience headaches, fever, chillsphoton game, muscle soreness and, in some cases, pneumonia.
READ NEXT Corporate Officers and their Labor Claims PSEi down further as investors protect previous gains EDITORS' PICK Kristine gets nearer; Metro Manila, 42 other areas under Signal No. 1 Sandro Marcos calls out VP Sara Duterte: ‘You crossed the line’ Marcos smiled, walked away when asked about VP Duterte’s accusation Marcos: PCG 'never alone' in mission to protect PH Central Visayas’ most wanted killed in shootout in Argao, Cebu Party-list system: What to know ahead of 2025 polls MOST READ SC issues TRO vs Comelec resolution on dismissed public officials Tropical Storm Kristine slightly intensifies; Signal No. 2 in 5 areas LIVE UPDATES: Tropical Storm Kristine Green spaces driving growth: How Filinvest City's Park System enhanced its property value View comments