AN INTER-AGENCY task force has been created to look into the possible presence of a zoonotic disease on Siquijor island.
The Siquijor Provincial Health Office (SPHO), in a Facebook post, said the Negros Island Region One Health Task Force has been created, consisting of the Department of Health (DOH), Department of Agriculture and the Bureau of Animal Industry.
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.
“The task force has been formed who will lead the collaborative efforts to address the possible presence of zoonotic disease,” said SPHO in its Facebook post.
This development came following an ongoing investigation of health authorities regarding possible cases of glanders disease in the island.
Glanders is a rare zoonotic disease caused by bacteria, primarily affecting horses, donkeys and mules. It can be transmitted to humans through direct contact with infected animals.
The SPHO also said they are closely working with the DOH Epidemiology Bureau from the central office for technical support.
“The DOH-NIRCHD and the Provincial DOH are working together for a heightened field response,” said SPHO.
Barangay health workers were also equipped with the right information about the disease to ensure that proper education and awareness are being relayed to the community.
The SPHO has also undertaken case surveillance with health authorities conducting interviews and evaluation of affected communities. All suspected cases are being monitored.
The SPHO said the collection of specimens from suspected cases is also ongoing. These specimens will be sent to the laboratory for confirmation.
The SPHO also said they made sure biosafety protocols are strictly followed, especially in transporting the samples. / JJL