Import ban on US live goats lifted

MANILA, Philippines —  Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. has lifted the ban on the importation of live goats from the United States after a study showed that the Q fever outbreak did not originate from the US.

Agriculture Assistant Secretary and spokesman Arnel de Mesa yesterday said Tiu Laurel issued Memorandum Order No. 43, resuming the importation of live goats from the US.

De Mesa said the order, issued on Oct. 8, is effective immediately.

He cited a report of the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH), which said there has been no recorded cases of Q fever in the US.

Earlier, the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) culled five dozen goats imported from the US after the animals tested positive for Q fever. The goats showed signs of sickness while in quarantine in Pampanga.

Based on the final confirmatory test conducted on June 20, samples taken from 19 goats tested positive for Q fever.

De Mesa said a study conducted by the BAI showed the cause of the outbreak did not originate from the US.

“We are waiting for the official report. Based on the official report from WOAH, no cases of Q fever were reported in the US. Most likely, the bacteria came from us,” De Mesa said, adding the report is expected to be released this month.