In Bijelo Polje and Žabljak, Q-fever was registered in goats, sheep and cattle

In the territory of Bijelo Polje and Žabljak, the infectious disease Q (Q) fever was registered in goats, sheep and cattle from January to March, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development announced.

"Following the owner's report that they noticed changes in the animals' health and an increased number of abortions, the professional staff of the Vet-Sanus Veterinary Clinic, the Bijelo Polje Veterinary Clinic and the Žabljak Veterinary Clinic went to the field and on the spot suspected that it was Q disease. -fever," the statement said.

It is stated that, in order to establish an accurate diagnosis, appropriate samples were taken and submitted to the Specialist Veterinary Laboratory for laboratory testing.

From that government department, they recommended to keepers of goats, sheep and cattle not to purchase new animals from unverified suppliers, that in the case of purchasing animals, they require from the seller a certificate on the health of the animals issued by a competent veterinarian

The veterinary administration, as announced, in order to protect human health, preserve livestock and prevent the spread of the disease, places the area of ​​Sušica, Kovren and Sipanje in the municipality of Bijelo Polje and the area of ​​Javorje, municipality of Žabljak under permanent increased surveillance of the veterinary service.

"The Veterinary Administration, together with the veterinary inspection of the Administration for Inspection Affairs, in cooperation with the field veterinary service in Bijelo Polje and Žabljak, and the Specialist Veterinary Laboratory in Podgorica, undertakes further measures in order to timely detect possible new cases of the disease, and to suppress and eradicate this disease. diseases," the Ministry's announcement states.

Q-fever was last registered in the territory of Montenegro in animals in 2007 in the territory of Nikšić

"To physically separate sheep and goats from cattle, that if they notice changes in their health status, and especially if an abortion occurs, they do not use heat-treated milk, that as soon as the weather permits, they implement measures to remove ectoparasites and protect animals from ticks, to carry out thorough cleaning of barns in which sheep, goats and cattle live," the announcement says.

They were also recommended to carry out preventive disinfection of the stables, floors and walls, by spraying with milk of lime or other suitable disinfectant, to limit the entry of other people into their stable facilities, except for those in charge of the animals.

The Ministry clarified that Q-fever is a disease that affects many domestic animals, especially sheep, goats and cattle, and the causative agent of which is rickettsia Coxiella burnetii.

Infected sheep, goats and cattle are the main sources of infection for humans.

It is clarified that in humans, Q-fever is manifested by a sudden onset of fever - elevated body temperature, usually up to 40 degrees, accompanied by general body weakness, sweating, severe headache, muscle and chest pain, cough and nausea.

"People who are most exposed to the disease in the immediate vicinity of infected animals, especially veterinarians, animal keepers, workers in dairies and slaughterhouses. Infected material can be transported over long distances by air and wind," the statement added.

Q-fever was last registered in the territory of Montenegro in animals in 2007 in the territory of Nikšić.

"This disease occurs regularly in the countries of the region, in the form of sporadic cases or major or minor epidemics, which gives this disease an endemic character in the Balkans".