PVO Reminds Livestock Farmers to Prepare for Cold Spell

The Provincial Veterinarian’s Office (PVO) reminds farmers in upland barangays to put up temporary shelters for their livestock during cold season.

Dr. Louie Maestrado, chief of PVO’s Animal Health Division, said the cold spell incident in the municipality of Balamban at the start of the year should serve as a lesson.

The cold temperature brought by the northeast monsoon was linked to the death of 43 cows, 11 goats, two horses, and two carabaos in 11 barangays in the town.

The affected barangays are Vito, Cabagdalan, Biasong, Singsing, Liki, Gaas, Sunog, Kabasyangan, Nangka, Hingatmonan, and Cansumoroy.

Balamban Municipal Agriculturist Felogyn “Boy” Sundo said they have already prepared vitamins and electrolytes to boost the immune system of the animals should the cold weather hit the town again.

Sundo attended a quarterly meeting with livestock officers called by the Capitol last December 17.

“Somebody is already assigned to check the insurance coverage of our farm animals,” he said.

Under the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC), if the insurance coverage expires, the insurer is required file for the renewal of the insurance contract.

According to PVO, there are several factors that caused the death of animals during cold weather.

The cold weather can cause complications that can eventually lead to death if the animals already suffered skin diseases, infections, stress, and malnourishment.

Source: www.cebu.gov.ph