‘Errant’ goat farm sealed

‘Errant’ goat farm sealed

A goat farm in Air Itam, where some livestock have been confirmed to be carrying the infectious and dangerous ‘brucella melitensis’ bacteria, has been sealed.

State Health, Welfare, Caring Society and Environment Committee chairman Phee Boon Poh said the farm was sealed on Sunday in an operation involving the state Health Department, state Veterinary Services Department and the Penang Municipal Council (MPPP).

The farm owner had apparently not adhered to a quarantine instruction issued on April 18 to restrict the movements of livestock and to not sell its goats’ milk for four months, Phee said.

“The order to seal the farm is to prevent transmission of the contagious brucellosis disease,” said Phee.

The farm first came under the public health authorities’ radar two weeks ago after four persons became ill and checks by the health officers later revealed that the bacteria originated from the farm in Air Itam.

Phee said a notice had been put up at the farm to inform the public that it has been sealed.

He added that the infected goats would only be culled as a last resort.

“As of now, we believe that quarantine may yet solve the problem. The farm owner has also been instructed to clean up the farm and treat the goats with medication,” he said,

The three locals who contracted brucellosis after consuming contaminated goat’s milk are listed in stable condition, said Phee.

“Two are warded at the Penang Hospital while another is being treated at a private hospital where they will remain under observation until further notice,” he said.

A Singaporean who also contracted the disease, is receiving treatment back in his country.

According to the official web portal of the US-based Centre for Disease Control, humans become infected by coming in contact with animals or its products which are contaminated with the bacteria.

~News courtesy of The Star~