[attach id=252898 size="medium"]The nine infected goats were all contained on a single farm.[/attach]
A six-month ban on the transfer of cattle, sheep and goats between farms has been imposed by the Veterinary Regulations Department after an outbreak of Q Fever among goats onone farm.
The nine infected goats were all contained on a single farm that has more than 200 animals. They have since recovered.
“At the moment there are no animals that we know of that have this disease, but we cannot take any risks,” Veterinary Department director Anthony Gruppetta said.
Veterinary officials will be inspecting all the farms in Malta and Gozo within this six-month period – there are 1,400 sheep and goat farms and 115 cow farms.
Petting farms can still operate, as long as the animals are deemed healthy.
Agriculture Parliamentary Secretary Roderick Galdes yesterday said goats, sheep and cows will not be allowed in fairs and shows such as Mnarja as a preventive measure to contain the spread of the disease.
The livestock may only be transported to the abattoir.
Health Promotion and Disease Prevention director Charmaine Gauci said the department was undertaking a risk assessment for farm workers and other people who may have been exposed.
If tested positive, they will begin immediate treatment.
Q Fever is an infectious disease caused by a species of bacteria called Coxiella burnetii and can also affect humans.
The disease poses minimal risks to consumers, as long as milk products are pasteurised. Meat can be safely consumed.
Those most at risk are people who work and have direct contact with the animals, including farmers, veterinarians, livestock workers and slaughter plant personnel. The disease may also be transmitted through contact with the liquids emitted during the birth of infected animals or, less commonly, by ticks.
Affected individuals may experience flu-like symptoms within one to three weeks after exposure. Other symptoms include fever, headaches, tiredness, muscle aches, cough, vomiting, and diarrhoea.
Most cases resolve spon-taneously or respond to treatment with particular antibiotics.
Fatalities are uncommon when complications are not present.
Contamination can be avoided by making use of basic hygiene procedures such as wearing gloves and protective masks.
The disease can affect all animals but is much more common in goats, sheep and bovines.
No external symptoms are manifested in the animals except for premature birth, abortions or stillbirths.