THE Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Department of Health (DOH) are working together to stop melioidosis cases in humans in the province of Siquijor.
The DA defined melioidosis as a rare but potentially fatal zoonotic disease caused by the environmental bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei, which is deemed to pose significant public health concerns in tropical regions such as Southeast Asia.
It can be carried by various animals, including sheep, goats, pigs and dogs but can also be transmitted to humans as a lung infection, which causes fever, headache, cough, chest pain, loss of appetite and skin ulcers.
The DA said the disease is primarily contracted through open wounds, inhalation or ingestion of contaminated water or contact with infected soil.
Melioidosis, according to the agriculture department, currently has no available vaccine, making prevention and early detection critical.
In a statement, the DA said that Health Secretary Ted Herbosa confirmed over the weekend that two of six recorded deaths in Siquijor were caused by melioidosis.
Aside from the two deaths, it also said that DOH laboratory tests have also confirmed cases initially suspected to be glanders as melioidosis, which can be contracted from soil and water.
The DA said it has been working with the DOH to stop the spread of the disease, through its attached agency, the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) and the DA-Regional Field Office of the Negros Island Region (DARFO-NIR).
In response to the confirmed cases, the BAI and DARFO-NIR said they have deployed surveillance teams and initiated disease-control protocols across affected areas in Siquijor.
The BAI added it has been sending samples to a reference laboratory for confirmatory testing, while continually monitoring the situation on the ground.
The DA also urged animal raisers and handlers to enhance farm biosecurity measures and adhere to strict sanitary protocols to prevent the spread of melioidosis and other animal-borne diseases.
It likewise reiterated that only healthy and disease-free animals are allowed to be transported for distribution and trading.
It warned that the slaughter, sale, and consumption of sick or suspected-to-be sick animals is strictly prohibited, adding that only animals certified by accredited veterinarians and those that passed inspection protocols are cleared for market sale.
Market vendors and consumers are also advised to only trade meat with valid inspection certificates and observe proper food handling and cooking practices.
The DA also reminded livestock workers, especially those exposed to muddy or flooded environments, to wear protective clothing such as boots and gloves to reduce the risk of exposure to contaminated sources.
