DA urges caution as sheep, goat plague detected in Southeast Asia

By Ma. Teresa Montemayor, Philippine News Agency

(Pexels photo)

MANILA — The Department of Agriculture–Bureau of Animal Industry (DA–BAI) has called on goat and sheep raisers, livestock traders and local veterinarians to strengthen preventive measures after neighboring Southeast Asian countries reported cases of Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR), also known as sheep and goat plague.

While the Philippines remains PPR-free, the agency said in an advisory over the weekend, the threat of the virus entering the country could not be readily ruled out due to possible illegal animal transport, risky trade practices, or contaminated equipment.

PPR is a highly contagious viral disease affecting small ruminants such as goats and sheep. It causes fever, eye and nasal discharges, mouth sores, pneumonia and severe diarrhea — often leading to high mortality. The virus does not infect humans but can severely impact farmers’ livelihoods.

To protect local livestock, the DA–BAI urged the public to avoid bringing in or purchasing goats, sheep, or related products from countries with confirmed cases.

Farmers were also reminded to enforce strict biosecurity measures, including isolating new animals, limiting farm visitors, keeping facilities clean and disinfecting equipment and vehicles used around livestock.

Goat and sheep owners were asked to immediately report animals showing signs such as fever, mouth lesions, respiratory distress, or sudden death to local veterinary or agriculture offices for prompt investigation. Early reporting, the agency said, is crucial to containing any threat.

The bureau added that it continues to coordinate with the World Organization for Animal Health and maintains nationwide surveillance, border controls and emergency response systems.

It emphasized that the cooperation of farmers, traders, and LGUs remains essential in maintaining the country’s PPR-free status.