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Guv tells mayors: Strengthen animal biosecurity measures

Ensure effective disease monitoring, Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson said.* Richard Malihan photo

Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson has called on the mayors of Negros Occidental to strengthen the animal biosecurity measures in their areas effective immediately.

Pigs in an overpopulated farm in EB Magalona have died because of alleged intense heat, Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz said Friday.

The farm has been quarantined to facilitate the screening and culling of the sick pigs, he said.

But he stressed that Negros Occidental remains African Swine Fever-free.

EB Magalona Mayor Marvin Malacon on Sunday, May 7, had no comment on the matter.

Lacson in a memorandum to all Negros Occidental mayors dated April 27 said in view of the serious threat of trans boundary animal diseases such as Hog Cholera, African Swine Fever and the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, which could be aggravated by the extreme high heat index that could compromise the immunity of livestock and poultry, they are highly encouraged to strengthen their animal biosecurity measures.

He urged the mayors to mobilize their local veterinary/agriculture offices and other related agencies to conduct 24/7 veterinary quarantine inspection in boundary checkpoints in coordination with the Provincial Veterinary Office.

They must ensure effective disease monitoring and surveillance, Lacson said.

In the transport of animals from one LGU to another or to the slaughterhouses, Lacson asked the mayors to always require the trader or shipper to secure Veterinary Health Certificates issued by the government veterinarian.

The livestock transport carrier must also be registered with the LGU or by the Provincial Veterinary Office, Lacson said.*

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