AGRICULTURE department in northern Mindanao has stepped up animal health efforts to protect the region from African swine fever, report said Wednesday.
Earlier last week, the department even turned over P1.1 million worth of drugs and biologics to provinces of Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental and Camiguin from the swine disease.
This is to continue ushering the livestock sector for sustainable development, according to the Department of Agriculture - Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10).
The various drugs and biologics were received through its provincial veterinary offices (PVOs) of the said 3 provinces.
In recent weeks, approximately P1.1 million worth of drugs and biologics for livestock was distributed to the heads and representatives of the provincial governments of Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental and Camiguin, in support to the Animal Health Program and African Swine Fever (ASF) Prevention initiatives of the Department.
Lordgin V. Gamo, a veterinarian III of PVO Camiguin, expressed his gratitude to the department, saying the allocation will be used not only for the well-being of livestock animals, but also for the disinfection of farm equipment, transport vehicles, foot and vehicle baths to the different designated disinfecting facilities in Camiguin.
This, he added, will help combat the growing threat of ASF on domestic and wild pigs in the region.
Livestock Program Focal Person Ma. Lourdes M. Sypiecco stated, the provision of drugs and biologics is an annual undertaking of DA-RFO 10 livestock program to the provinces and cities in NorMin.Said undertaking is to ensure affordable, available and accessible supply of quality livestock as well as prevention, control and eradication of animal diseases. (Angie Cabig and Irish Mae Juntahan/ DA-10)
