The Negros Occidental Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) is preparing assistance to poultry raisers, who are worst hit by the eruption of Mt. Kanlaon in the local animal industry.

The PVO report as of Tuesday, July 2, showed 4,764 reported animal mortalities, with 4,488 chickens since the volcanic eruption on June 3.

Provincial veterinarian Dr. Placeda Lemana, in an interview yesterday, said they are coming up with a list to determine the poultry raisers who will get the assistance.

“They will be prioritized for the dispersal of free-range chickens,” she said.

Based on the PVO report, the estimated value of animal mortalities is P1.248 million.

Other mortalities were goats and sheep, 103; swine, 98; carabao, 53; cattle, 16; and dogs and cats, six.

Respiratory infections and digestive problems due to the inhalation of sulfurous odor caused the animal deaths, the PVO report said.

Lemana said the PVO also continues to conduct veterinary medical missions in villages of La Castellana town situated near the foot of Mt. Kanlaon, including Mansalanao and Biak na Bato.

“Tomorrow [Thursday, July 4], the PVO is scheduled to visit the two barangays. We will distribute more supplements for animals,” she said.

During the veterinary medical missions, the PVO teams provide various services such as consultation, treatment, deworming, vaccination, vitamin B supplementation of pet and livestock animals, and distribution of animal feeds.

They also distribute veterinary drugs, medicines, and biologics, such as anti-bacterial, anti-parasitic, vitamins, and minerals to boost and strengthen the immune systems of pet and livestock animals. (PNA)