MANILA – A lawmaker on Thursday called on the Department of Agriculture (DA) to take steps to protect farm animals against disease, as he warned that El Niño is impacting livestock health.
“The recent outbreak of bird flu among backyard birds in Calapan, Oriental Mindoro should serve as a warning of things to come with prolonged drought,” Abra Lone District Rep. JB Bernos said in a news release.
“Nananawagan tayo sa DA na sa lalong madaling panahon ay maglatag na tayo ng mga hakbang para maiwasan ang lubusang pagkalat ng iba’t ibang sakit (We call on the DA to implement, in the soonest possible time, steps to prevent the spread of various disease),” he said.
Earlier this month, the highly pathogenic H5N1 bird flu was detected among backyard birds in Oriental Mindoro, which prompted culling operations.
The lawmaker, a member of the committee on agriculture and food, noted that weakened immune responses caused by heat and nutritional stress may increase disease vulnerability.
Bernos underscored the need to protect livestock during El Niño, as all Filipino families would be severely affected.
Scientists from the University of the Philippines Los Baños estimate that the livestock sector could suffer up to PHP9.9 billion in losses due to the looming severe El Niño episode.
Meanwhile, data from the Philippine Statistics Authority show that livestock and poultry together account for nearly 30 percent of total agricultural output.
“The livestock sector is central to food security. We must do our best in minimizing livestock loss to ensure that Filipino families get to eat as well as to protect the livelihood of our farmers.” (PNA)