Suspected glanders is melioidosis – DOH

THE Department of Agriculture (DA), through its Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI), is closely coordinating with the Department of Health (DOH) following the confirmation of melioidosis cases in humans, initially diagnosed as glanders disease, in Siquijor.

The zoonotic disease caused by the environmental bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei is rare but potentially deadly, the DOH said.

Melioidosis is "primarily contracted through open wounds, inhalation, or ingestion of contaminated water or contact with soil."

It presents serious public health risks for tropical countries like the Philippines. Prevention and early detection are crucial for the disease, as there are no vaccines for it.

Initially thought of as glanders disease, the cases were found to be melioidosis after further investigation by the DOH.

In response to this, the BAI and the DA Regional Field Office Negros Island Region (DA RFO-NIR) immediately deployed surveillance teams and conducted disease control procedures across the affected areas in Siquijor. The BAI continues to monitor the situation on the ground while sending samples to a reference laboratory for confirmation testing.

To prevent the spread of melioidosis and other animal-borne diseases, the DA has asked farmers and animal raisers to enhance farm biosecurity measures and follow sanitary protocols. The agency ordered that regulations on the transport of live animals and animal products be followed to ensure that only healthy animals are distributed and sold across the country.

Following food safety guidelines, the agency also reiterated its ban on the slaughter, sale and consumption of animals that are sick or are suspected to be sick. Only those that have been certified by accredited veterinarians and passed inspections would be allowed to be sold in markets.

The DA also urged the public to buy meat that has valid inspection certificates and practice proper food handling and cooking, and discouraged them from consuming raw or unpasteurized milk.

In order to reduce the risk of contracting the disease, the agency also reminded livestock workers to wear protective clothing, including boots and gloves.

The DA encouraged the public to report unusual signs of sickness in animals, and guaranteed that they would coordinate with local agriculture and veterinary offices to prevent the spread of the disease.