The Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) in Negros Oriental said yesterday that animals in the province remain free from foot and mouth disease (FMD).

PVO spokesperson Jaymar Vilos told the Philippine News Agency in an interview that FMD in animals is different from hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) in humans.

The statement comes as the Provincial Health Office (PHO) reported HFMD cases in Negros Oriental, mostly among young children.

As of February 21, a total of 31 HFMD cases in humans with zero deaths were reported in the province, a PHO report said.

Vilos said based on the World Animal Health Information System, “it turns out that FMD from animals and HFMD from humans are significantly different, and the transmission of FMD from animals to humans is very rare.”

He assured the public that it is safe to eat meat from cloven-footed animals, such as pigs, cattle and goats, which are usually susceptible to FMD, as there are no cases of the animal disease in the province.

The PVO said it undertakes continuous monitoring and surveillance in the province to ensure that animals vulnerable to FMD are not infected with the disease.

Blood sample screening of these animals is also carried out regularly. At the same time, those to be transported outside the province must obtain certification from the PVO that they are not sick with any diseases, including FMD.

Border checkpoints are also established to inspect documents accompanying animals being transported to the province.

Meanwhile, Vilos said he believes the human-to-human transmission of HFMD cases in Negros Oriental may have started from an “imported case” or an infected person who came to the province.

Health authorities in Negros Oriental urged the public to observe proper hygiene, specifically frequent handwashing before eating.

The HFMD is a highly contagious viral illness that is transmitted from one person to another through respiratory droplets, close contact and fecal matter. (PNA)