MANILA — The Department of Agriculture (DA) has issued a temporary ban on the importation of live goats from the US following the first case of Q Fever in the Philippines.

• Philippines confirms first case of Q fever

Under the Memorandum Order 26, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel suspended the issuance of import clearances for live goats.

"All approved and unused sanitary and phytosanitary import clearance (SPSIC) for goats coming from the US are deemed cancelled," the memorandum read.

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The memo clarified that all live goat shipments that are already in transit before the issuance of memo shall be allowed entry, subject to quarantine rules.

The first case of Q Fever in animals in the country was traced to come from goats imported from the US.

DA officials said the cases of Q Fever in the country have been already controlled, following the condemnation of affected goats.

• Q fever transmission in PH already contained: DA

Q Fever is a zoonotic disease affecting goats, cows, and sheep. Transmission to humans is possible but rare.

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