
By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga
The Negros Occidental Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) has begun its preparations for the effects of the El Niño phenomenon on livestock.
PVO head Dr. Placeda Lemana said they have not received new reports of livestock deaths due to heat.
Lemana said among the livestock illnesses that could occur due to high temperatures include pneumonia and flu.
She said chickens are highly-vulnerable to heat-related illnesses.
She urges local raisers to vaccinate their chickens.
The PVO is also concerned with stunted growth among fowl that possibly affects the production of eggs.
Lemana also advised livestock raisers to make sure that animal cages and pens are well-ventilated and supplied with clean water at all times.
She also advised them not to expose their livestock to heat.
The PVO head said ruminant livestock, such as goats, sheep and cattle, should be fed with fresh grass and clean water./DGB, WDJ