BACOLOD CITY — The Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) reported PHP1.954 million in losses incurred by livestock and poultry raisers in Negros Occidental province due to the monsoon rains that have triggered flooding in various localities.
As of Tuesday afternoon, the office reported an additional damage of almost PHP94,000, covering animal raisers in the cities of Victorias and Bago, and the towns of Pontevedra and San Enrique.
The figure was added to the PHP1.86 million in losses reported on Monday by animal farmer-raisers in 16 localities in the province.
The rains had affected turkeys, carabaos, goats, free-range and native chickens, and swine mainly due to hypothermia and drowning, the PVO said.
Aside from the four affected areas, losses were also reported by animal raisers in the cities of Escalante, San Carlos, Sagay, Talisay, Silay, and La Carlota, and the towns of Salvador Benedicto, Toboso, Calatrava, Valladolid, Hinigaran, and La Castellana.
The bulk of the damage was noted among poultry animals, such as free-range chickens and game fowl, which are highly-vulnerable to low temperatures.
Dr. Ryan Janoya, head of the PVO Animal Health and Meat Inspection Services Division, advised raisers to implement measures to reduce the possible adverse effects of calamities on animals.
He said that during the rainy season, respiratory diseases affect poultry animals, while ruminants or plant-eating animals usually suffer from parasites.
“There is a need to provide enough food and supplement, as well as comfortable and safe shelter to animals, especially because we might be experiencing a weak La Niña,” Janoya added. (PNA)
