Iković: A large number of sick cows have not yet been killed, because there are no adequate places where they could be buried

A large number of cows that have contracted cow fever have not yet been killed, because there are no adequate places where the corpses would be buried, claims Vuk Iković from Preokret.

"That's why infected throats transmit bacteria to cows that are healthy. For this reason, we urged the presidents of the municipalities of Danilovgrad and Nikšič and the minister of agriculture to solve this problem today in order to prevent the further spread of Q fever," he said.

"We know that a large number of cows fell ill with this disease in a short time, precisely because it took over 20 days for the infected cows to die and be properly buried, because Montenegro still has neither an incinerator nor a livestock cemetery, without which animal corpses cannot be disposed of. This disorganization caused the improper burial of corpses, the additional spread of infection because the corpses were improperly transported and buried. For example, the plot where the cows were buried is not fenced, so wild and domestic animals that use that area for grazing can access that meadow," adds Iković.

He says that it is worrying that in Danilovgrad "killed cows were buried in a location where the construction of cemeteries for people is prohibited", because that place is located near the city's main spring.

"The officials forbade the burial of people, but allowed the burial of infected livestock. The bacteria that cause Q fever can survive in the soil for several months, which depends on the composition of the soil. How can we be sure that the bacteria will not end up in the city's source," asked Iković.

He reminds that the bacterium that causes kyu fever "is transmitted by domestic and wild animals, between which it can be transmitted by species such as ticks or mice."

"It is introduced into the human body through food - unpasteurized dairy products or directly through injured skin or tick bites. The most common source of infection for humans is milk, wool, meat, and livestock farmers and veterinarians are the most affected," says Iković.

He says that's why they urged the authorities to regularly inform citizens, "because by hiding the truth, panic and fear grow".

"You should know that 2016 people died from this disease in the Netherlands until 74, and the disease was registered for the first time in 2007. One of the key reasons why Q fever spread like this in our country is the poor information of livestock farmers and the absence of biosecurity measures such as the existence quarantine, limited entry of people to the farm, protection from insects and rodents, etc.," said Iković.

He also states that agricultural extension services, in order to reduce infection, should inform and educate cattle breeders so that mistakes and "infection does not spread due to ignorance and because protective measures are not applied".

"At the same time, officials should allow knowledge and experience to do their job, and not deny them, because citizens pay them to apply the best available solutions, and not confuse them and drag them into a panic zone," the announcement concludes.