MUSCA Implementing Guidelines

- Adherence to the Department’s Policy on cost-sharing in the conduct of disease control and related activities (DA-LGU cost sharing)

- Principles of the CURED & SIGN will be followed by all regions under which a Regional Surra Epidemiology Team (RSET) will be organized

- Selective treatment on cattle, carabao and horses shall be carried out in control areas; however mass treatment of all potential reservoir host shall be undertaken in areas considered as “hotspots” (20% susceptible population are infected)

- Treatment Options:

- Mass treatment – history of mortality, showing Surra clinical signs,
CATT positive result –20%, at least one isolate
-Selective treatment – CATT positive – 20%, clinical signs

- No treatment/caution (surveillance) – positive CATT, no clinical
signs; Suggested action-deworming, vitamin supplementation and
vaccination (e.g. hemosep)

- Animals coming from the stock farms/multiplier farms and animals at DA’s disposal shall be administered with prophylactic drugs before deliveries or dispersal

- Prophylactic treatment shall be administered once every four months after the initial medication


- Disease surveillance and epidemiological investigations shall be carried out in all regions, of which 10% (or as many as possible) of susceptible suspected animal population will be considered for testing, henceforth these samples shall be utilized in the conduct and trials for the development of a highly specific and highly sensitive diagnostic tool for Surra

- MUSCA Command Post is set up at DA-Region XI-Livestock Division, whereby it shall serve as distribution point for all logistics and paraphernalia. Funds, likewise shall be funneled to the Command Post


- MUSCA Coordinator shall call meetings, consultations and conferences wherever necessary shall report regularly to the central office through the Bureau of Animal Industry and the Livestock Development Council. Likewise, all Regional MUSCA Coordinators shall submit regular monthly reports to the MUSCA Coordinator


- The Command Post in coordination with regional MUSCA Coordinator shall conduct continuing education and appropriate training to field personnel and other stakeholder to ensure success of the program.


- Command Post shall have at all times buffer stock ready for deployment


-All regional MUSCA Coordinator shall withdraw their logistics and other paraphernalia from the MUSCA Command Post.