DA orders probe of ‘Q fever’ cases in Marinduque

The Department of Agriculture (DA) has formed a special fact-finding committee to investigate the prevalence of Q Fever disease in Santa Cruz town, Marinduque province.

In Special Order No. 867 dated June 19, the DA said the panel would look into “all the facts and circumstances” concerning the “alleged violations and irregularities” committed by officials and employees of the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) in relation to “the importation and failure to contain goats infected with Q fever disease” in the area.

The infectious disease, according to the webpage of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, is caused by a bacteria called Coxiella burnetii that affects both humans and animals.

It added that a person may catch the disease from an infected animal through contaminated milk or by handling the fetus, placenta, or fluids from an infected animal who had given birth. Symptoms

While some people will not experience symptoms, others will suffer from sudden headaches, fever, chills, muscle soreness, and in some cases, pneumonia, the website said.

The Inquirer contacted the BAI for comment but as of this writing, it had yet to respond.

The office of Agriculture Assistant Secretary Paz Benavidez II, who will chair the committee, did not give any additional details as it just received a copy of the special order.

However, it said the panel would convene “very soon” and more information would be divulged once available.

Based on the order, committee members have 30 days to convene immediately and submit an initial report.

They will gather facts and evidence to verify the truthfulness of the reports and allegations, conduct a preliminary investigation, and summon concerned parties as part of the inquiry.

After gathering evidence, the panel members will decide whether there is a prima facie case for the filing of a formal charge and submit their recommendation to the agriculture secretary for approval and if necessary, order the preventive suspension of those involved. “All committee members must adhere to strict confidentiality and security measures to protect the integrity of the investigation and the individuals involved,” the DA said in its order.