Livestock-to-human disease risk probed

Fiji's Ministry of Agriculture is probing a possible connection between diseases in livestock and human infections, despite a current lack of scientific confirmation. The issue gained attention during a review of the Public Health (Amendment) Bill, where opposition MP Alipate Tuicolo questioned penalties for livestock farmers near waterways if a zoonotic disease outbreak occurred. He also sought information on preventative measures.

Permanent Secretary for Agriculture Andrew Tukana acknowledged that Fiji regularly records bovine tuberculosis and brucellosis in cattle, while human tuberculosis cases are also on the rise. "But whether that increase in the cases of bovine tuberculosis in humans is from bovine tuberculosis or actual human tuberculosis we still need to find that link," Tukana stated. He added that while there is a "suspect" that some human cases might originate from livestock, more diagnostic testing and analysis are required.

Tukana also highlighted leptospirosis as a major concern, particularly for farm workers who handle animal urine and feces without adequate protective gear. In response to Tuicolo's concerns, a Ministry of Health representative assured that the Health Ministry, Agriculture Ministry, and Biosecurity Authority are collaborating under a "One Health" strategy. This initiative aims to enhance surveillance and control of zoonotic diseases through coordinated inspections, outbreak responses, and animal testing, alongside efforts to strengthen regulations.

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But whether that increase in the cases of bovine tuberculosis in humans is from bovine tuberculosis or actual human tuberculosis we still need to find that link so I don’t know how much in terms of analysis has been done but we still don’t see that link but there’s a suspect that it can also be some of the cases happening in humans can also be from from uh livestock cattle but we still need to find out whether that is actually bovine or human so that is the issue at the moment and there needs to be more work done around that.