The Department of Health (DOH) and the Siquijor Provincial Health Office are urging the public to stay vigilant amid detected cases of zoonotic disease in the province.
In his Facebook page post, Governor Jake Vincent Villa confirmed the detection of zoonotic disease cases in the province as he called for increased public caution, especially among individuals frequently exposed to goats, carabaos, and other livestock.
“The province of Siquijor now has confirmed cases of zoonotic disease, which originates from sick animals and can potentially be transmitted to humans,” Villa said.
Villa said that while the risk of human-to-human transmission is rare, animal-to-human transmission can occur more easily.
“It is easy to treat, but it’s better that we all take preventive measures,” he said.
Provincial Health Office (PHO) officer-in-charge Jeff Lorenz U. Booc said that surveillance and case-finding efforts are ongoing.
Booc said their office is working closely with the Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and other concerned agencies.
“Avoid direct contact with sick animals, since that is the primary mode of transmission,” Booc advised.
He reassured the public not to panic as human-to-human transmission is rare, and the disease is treatable.
Health sector response
According to an advisory posted on the PHO Facebook page, DOH and local health authorities are taking an inter-agency approach to manage the situation, from case finding and clinical assessments to laboratory testing and community monitoring.
The PHO said active surveillance efforts include interviews and assessments in affected communities, case tracking of both animal and human infections, and hospital monitoring and specimen collection with strict biosafety protocols.
The DOH Epidemiology Bureau has also collaborated with the DOH Negros Island Region Center for Health Development (NIR) to strengthen their field response efforts.
DOH has created the NIR One Health Task Force, composed of key agencies, which started educating residents in affected barangays and holding orientation sessions for barangay health workers on the latest updates about the disease.
Animal health measures
Provincial Veterinarian Officer-in-charge, John Jamael Patagoc, reported intensified surveillance of livestock in the province.
The municipal agricultural offices are also encouraged to conduct information campaigns among livestock raisers and farmers on the safe handling of animals.
Patagoc emphasized that farmers should avoid slaughtering sick animals, use protective clothing such as boots, face masks, and gloves when handling animals, and ensure consumption of healthy and thoroughly cooked meat.
“The bacteria dies at 55 degrees Celsius after 10 minutes. Meat should be thoroughly cooked to kill the bacteria,” he said.
Patagoc noted that carabaos, goats and horses are particularly vulnerable to the disease.
He advised the public to take extra precaution when handling or consuming meat from these animals and to observe proper hygiene at all times.
He also urged immediate reporting of sick animals to the Provincial Veterinary Office, in Barangay Helen, Larena town.
What is zoonotic disease?
Zoonotic diseases are infections that can be transmitted from animals to humans. In this case, the suspected sources include carabaos, goats and horses.
Animal symptoms include runny nose with pus or blood, skin wounds or bumps, weakness or loss of appetite, and poor physical condition.
If these signs are observed, residents are encouraged to contact the local veterinarian immediately.
Human symptoms include fever, body aches, headache, chest pain, muscle stiffness, and a history of direct contact with sick or dead animals.
The PHO stressed that while the disease can be serious, it is highly treatable when caught early.
“It’s best to consult your health center or hospital right away,” the office advised.
Immediately inform health workers if you feel symptoms, and report sick animals to the veterinarian. (PIA-7 Siquijor)