Siquijor: The Department of Agriculture-Negros Island Region (DA-NIR) assured the public on Monday that there is no cause for concern over the possible presence of glanders in one of its three provinces, as the disease is curable.

According to Philippines News Agency, DA-NIR Director Jose Albert Barrogo stated that they are awaiting laboratory test results from the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) to confirm the perceived presence of glanders, a zoonotic disease caused by the bacteria Burkholderia mallei, in Siquijor province. Agriculture technicians collected blood samples from animals in at least three towns last week after reports of cases were received.

'A team of technicians took blood samples from goats, horses, and other animals in areas in Siquijor believed affected by glanders from May 20 to 23 and were sent immediately to RITM for lab testing,' Barrogo said. Barrogo mentioned that until the RITM results are released, they cannot decide on the next steps in addressing the issue, such as the movement of animals from affected areas.

Currently, there are no movement restrictions within the island or in areas outside Siquijor. Regarding glanders cases found in humans, it is the Department of Health that can confirm it. A Negros Island-wide task force was also formed to look into unverified reports of at least six humans afflicted by glanders in Siquijor.

The bacteria that cause the disease can enter the body through a scrape or cut on the skin, through the mucous membranes like the eyes and nose, or by inhaling. Experts note that general symptoms in humans, which can vary with each infection, include fever, shivers, sweats, chest pain, sore throat, headache, cough, muscle soreness and tightness, sensitivity to light, excessive mucus, tearing in the eyes, diarrhea, ulcers, and fatigue.