Luna, Apayao - The Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO), in collaboration with the Livestock Section of the Department of Agriculture (DA) - Regulatory Division, conducted a sampling initiative for Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and Avian Influenza (AI) on January 24, 2024 at the Apayao Breeding Center in San Gregorio and Backyard Farm in Dagupan, Luna, Apayao.
This is to maintain the health and well-being of livestock, which is also an integral component of the annual negative disease surveillance program.
Dr. Karl Glenn Kigis and the DA regional team paid a courtesy call to the Office of the Provincial Administrator (OPA), receiving a warm welcome from Provincial Administrator Atty. Edmar Pascua and Provincial Veterinarian Dr. Ralph Verzon.
Despite Apayao's classification as a low-risk area for FMD and a moderate-risk area for AI in the 2022 assessment, the necessity of conducting such proactive measures cannot be overstated. These endeavours are crucial to ensure the continued absence of these economically harmful animal diseases within the province.
Animal disease surveillance is an essential tool for tracking disease trends, controlling infections, providing essential information for risk assessment, supporting the implementation of sanitary measures for the welfare of animals and the public, and assuring trading partners of the province's commitment to disease prevention.
Notably, recent African Swine Fever (ASF) cases were documented in the province, with occurrences reported in the municipality of Flora in October 2023 and Conner from December 2023 to January 2024.
In response to these challenges, the PVO urges the public to promptly report any unusual animal deaths or illnesses they observe. This measure is essential for preventing and controlling the spread of infections with the implementation of necessary actions being a key priority in safeguarding the agricultural industry of the province.
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