BACKYARD HOGS. Hogs being raised in a backyard in La Carlota City, Negros Occidental in April. On Monday (May 8, 2023), the Provincial Veterinary Office advised swine raisers to have their animals vaccinated against hog cholera. (File photo courtesy of PVO-Negros Occidental)
BACOLOD CITY – The Negros Occidental provincial government has advised local government units (LGUs) to boost animal biosecurity measures across the province amid the serious threat of transboundary diseases which could be worsened by the hot weather.
Dr. Placeda Lemana, acting provincial veterinarian, said Monday that Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson has reminded raisers to take good care of their animals and for the LGUs to keep a tight watch on their localities.
“(It is) highly encouraged to strengthen the animal biosecurity measures of your respective territorial jurisdiction, effective immediately,” Lacson said in his latest directive.
The governor noted the continued threat posed by diseases such as hog cholera, African swine fever (ASF) and highly pathogenic avian influenza or bird flu.
In his directive, Lacson asked the LGUs to mobilize their respective local veterinary and agriculture offices and other related agencies to conduct 24/7 veterinary quarantine inspection in boundary checkpoints in coordination with the Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) as well as ensure effective disease monitoring and surveillance.
Negros Occidental has no cases of ASF and bird flu, but hog cholera has already been monitored to have caused deaths among pigs in various localities.
"We advise the hog and poultry raisers to have their animals vaccinated," Lemana said.
The directive also specifies that during the transport of animals among LGUs and slaughterhouses, the trader/ shipper is required to secure a veterinary health certificate issued by the government veterinarian.
The livestock transport carrier must be registered with the LGU or by PVO.
Currently, Negros Occidental imposes a total ban on the entry of live birds and poultry products such as meat and eggs from areas affected by the bird flu, including Luzon, Mindanao and the neighboring islands of Panay and Guimaras.
Also, there is an ongoing ban on all pigs, pork, pork products and other related items from Panay and Guimaras as well as from Luzon, Mindanao and Eastern Visayas, which all have confirmed cases of ASF. (PNA)
