
SIX cases of glanders, a bacterial disease from sick animals, have been recorded in the province of Siquijor.
Siquijor Governor Jake Vincent Villa, in a Facebook post on Saturday, May 24, 2025, said the individuals affected by the disease have already been identified and are now receiving medical attention.
Glanders is a rare zoonotic disease caused by the bacterium Burkholderia mallei.
It primarily affects horses, donkeys, and mules, but can infect humans through direct contact with sick or dead animals.
Health authorities said infected individuals may experience fever, chest pains, pneumonia, and skin ulcers.
Villa said surveillance, medical assessments, and contact tracing continue following the identification of infected individuals.
Villa assured the public that the situation is “very controlled.”
“The island of Siquijor remains a safe place for its residents and tourists. We continue in making sure that our community remains safe,” said Villa.
The Provincial Government of Siquijor is closely working with the Negros Island Region One Health Task Force to maintain active surveillance and management efforts to protect community health.
Earlier, an inter-agency task force was created, consisting of the Department of Health (DOH), Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI).
Other agencies in the task force are the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Bureau of Quarantine, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Office of Civil Defense, and the local government units of Siquijor.
Groups of healthcare workers have been deployed to visit various areas to ensure early detection.
The DA and BAI are also currently conducting tests on some animals.
Treatment
Health authorities said glanders respond to antibiotic treatment when diagnosed early.
While human-to-human transmission is rare, the authorities still advise the public to be cautious and practice proper hygiene especially when tending animals.
Residents are also urged to avoid contact with sick animals, report any unusual animal sickness, and avoid consuming meat or milk from sick animals, even if cooked.
Individuals experiencing fever, cough, or unusual symptoms should consult their respective health centers immediately. / JJL