Agriculture program caused fly infestation
Asturias Mayor Allan Adlawan has pinned the blame for the onslaught of flies in several villages on the municipal government’s agriculture extension service program that has backfired.
Adlawan said they managed to trace a part of the cause of the surge of an army of flies to the municipalities program where they gave away fresh chicken manure to farmers for use as fertilizer. The program had been implemented in the last four years.
“It’s a learning experience for all of us,” he said.
Three poultry farms in the town were providing fresh manure to the local government which then distributes the same to the farmers.
Experts confirmed that the infestation was brought about by the presence of poultry farms in the area. Provincial Veterinarian Louie Maestrado said fresh poultry waste is an ideal breeding ground for flies due to its high moisture content.
“Add that with the fact that around this time of the year is breeding season, then we can really expect a surge in numbers,” he said.
The municipality has discontinued giving away fresh manure. It has since been experimenting on using burnt manure as organic fertilizer.
Adlawan said under the experimental set-up, manure is placed in a metal barrel and burnt until it gets charred Charring the waste will dry it up quicker, he said.
“If this will be successful, this is what we will give to the farmers,” Adlawan said.
Provincial Agriculturist Roldan Sarajena said poultry owners should also try to adapt a mechanism that dries up the poultry waste faster to make sure it is decomposed before distribution.
“If the waste is partially or totally decomposed already, then it will have no smell. It will not attract flies anymore. But if it’s still fresh, it’s dangerous,” said Sarajena.
According to Maestrado, fresh poultry waste is high in ammonia, a substance dangerous to plants
The fly infestation has since been contained and is no longer alarming, the mayor said.
The Provincial Health Office last Wednesday sprayed insecticides in houses in barangays Antugop, New Bago, Bago, Lunas, Looc, Langub and Poblacion.
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