LIVESTOCK DEATHS EL NIÑO COSTS P10-M LIVESTOCK LOSSES IN NEGROS OCCIDENTAL

The Negros Occidental Provincial Disaster Management Program Division (PDMPD) said livestock losses due to the ongoing drought caused by the El Niño phenomenon in the province have reached P10 million.

The latest PDMPD data as of April 26, showed the drought has incurred P10,080,100 in damages, and affected a total of 11,556 livestock in 95 barangays from 21 local government units.

At least 870 animal raisers have been affected by animal deaths due to drought, the report said.

More than 10,000 chickens, 40 carabaos, 400 piglets, and 100 goats died due to the intense heat, it added.

Isabela town is the hardest hit, recording P5,956,850 in livestock losses and 5,152 animal deaths, with 595 households affected.

It is followed by Ilog town with P1.4 million, Moises Padilla town with 682,000, Hinigaran town with 490,000, Valladolid town with 275,000, Candoni town with 224,000, Manapla town with 152,000, and Sagay City with 136,000.

The PDMPD also reported damage to 183.15 hectares of pasture land amounting to P2,685,500.

The biggest damage was incurred in Hinigaran town’s Barangay Gargato, affecting 100 hectares of pasture land worth P1 million.

Meanwhile, Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) head Dr. Placeda Lemana said the majority of animals that died due to intense heat were free-range chickens because of the unavailability of drinking water sources.

Lemana also encourages raisers to use misting systems on their farms to alleviate the effects of the rising temperatures on their livestock.

Raisers, especially those in rural areas with limited water access, have been urged to use misting systems to cool down their farms.

Lemana said the heat has also affected the livestock’s immune function, making them more susceptible to diseases.

The PVO continues to remind animal raisers about the dangers of exposing their livestock to high temperatures.

Lemana reminded them that they should provide proper ventilation and hydration for their livestock, and avoid leaving them out in the sun for extended periods of time./JB,