MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA) — The Lanao del Sur Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) is implementing strict monitoring and pre-dispersal testing to safeguard animal health and prevent the spread of Q-fever within the province.
The move is in response to the country’s recent detection of zoonotic disease.
Q-fever is a mild illness that primarily affects ruminants like goats, sheep, and cows. The bacteria responsible, Coxiella burnetii, can be transmitted to humans through contact with infected animals or their birthing fluids.
Ayaw natin na mangyari ‘yan dito sa Lanao del Sur. So kung pwede kapag may dispersal na mangyari dito sana ma-inform niyo kami para ma-monitor namin at ma-test,” said Dr. Liza Ebuña, a veterinarian from the PVO.
(We want to prevent this from happening in Lanao del Sur. We encourage those planning dispersal activities to inform us beforehand so we can properly monitor and test the animals.)
Ebuña emphasized, during the recent Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC), the importance of strict monitoring and surveillance procedures before any ruminants are transported or sold.
“Ang quarantine station is not yet operational. So, the best course of action is testing, and if it is positive, we are going to depopulate the positive animals and thoroughly disinfect the affected area to prevent further spread,” she added. (APB/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)
