Livestock test positive for Malta fever

ANIMALS on a farm in the Hardap Region have tested positive for Malta fever, a bacterial disease that can spread to humans.

The acting Chief Veterinarian, Dr Frans Joubert, yesterday said blood samples taken from 149 small livestock on a farm 80 km south of Mariental tested positive for brucellosis, also known as Malta fever. Joubert declined to give the name of the farm, but confirmed that it had been quarantined. Seven goats and sheep tested positive for the disease, according to Joubert. Earlier, Joubert told The Namibian that the disease had sickened eight people living on the farm where the disease was detected. They received treatment for the disease in Windhoek last week, said Joubert. Joubert said another farm in the Hardap Region that was quarantined last week has been declared free of brucellosis, as no animals had tested positive. Brucellosis is usually found in cattle and other hoofed animals, where it causes sterility in males and prompts females to abort. It can spread to humans who drink infected raw (unpasteurised) milk or handle the hides of infected animals. Joubert said investigations are underway to determine how the disease got to the farm.Veterinary officials would cull the infected animals, he said. Joubert urged people to boil raw milk to destroy the bacteria. luqman@namibian.com.na