LINGAYEN- The Office of the Provincial Veterinarian (OPVet) is not taking any chances in its effort to keep the province Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD)-free.

 Amid persistent reports that there are increasing attempts by syndicates to smuggle in animals afflicted with FMD and other diseases, the OPVet has re-intensified efforts to examine all cattle entering the province through its 24-hour checkpoints in various entry points to the province.

Dr. Benedicto Perez, provincial veterinarian, said checkpoints have been set up in Umingan, Bayambang, Mangatarem, San Fabian, Mapandan, Bugallon, Rosales and  Sison, all manned on a 24-hour basis so that animals entering the  province like hogs, poultry, cattle, among others are inspected free from FMD, avian flu, corona virus and porcine epidemic diarrhea, a transmissible  gastro-enteritis afflicting piglets.

Slaughterhouses and livestock markets are also closely watched by OPVet personnel to ensure all animals being slaughtered and sold are disease-free, Perez added.

The province has been declared FMD-free since December 16, 2005 and no FMD case has been reported since. – EVA

Share your Comments or Reactions

comments

Powered by Facebook Comments