Savusavu-Labasa farms quarantined over brucellosis

Brucellosis is a bacterial disease found in the reproductive tracts of animals.

Authorities in the Ministry for Agriculture have placed cattle farms in Savusavu and Labasa under quarantine after an outbreak of brucellosis. The Ministry’s livestock officer Anasa Ralogaivau said they have started slaughtering infected cattle and have advised farmers not to panic.

Brucellosis is a bacterial disease found in the reproductive tracts of animals, but can be contracted by humans through the consumption of unpasteurised milk.

The brucella abortus is the bacteria in cattle that causes brucellosis.

“We’re advising people not to panic and for farmers to report to us if they have a sick cow,” Mr Rologaivau said.

He said he did not have any statistics on hand to know how many cattle in Taveuni and Savusavu were infected but they were working hard to contain the disease and prevent it from spreading in the Northern Division. “We are into the second phase of testing and slaughtering affected animals and placed quarantine on stock and vehicles moving from the affected area,” Mr Ralogaivau said.

“We are working hard in ensuring that cattle are not transported from Viti Levu, Savusavu and Taveuni to other parts of Vanua Levu.

“The third phase of the operation would entail surveillance and monitoring which will take about two years and after the disease is contained, then they can declare that their cows are free from the disease.”

He said, “There is a low possibility of human fatalities from Brucellosis but those infected will suffer from the disease for the rest of their lives if they are not treated soon.

“Humans can get infected, particularly meat workers, abattoir workers and slaughter-men.

“We are advising all farm workers, farm hands, livestock officers, to have their blood screened. The disease may have been circulating within our farming system for a while before we picked it up,” he added.