THE Cebu Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) urged piggery and poultry owners to closely monitor farm animals for diseases related to the dry season.
Dr. Mary Rose Vincoy, provincial veterinarian said livestock are vulnerable to certain diseases during summer, aggravated by the mild El Niño being experienced now.
Farmers can also avail of livestock insurance.
Pigs, chickens, and other farm animals should not be overexposed to the sun to avoid heat stroke. The animals also need to be adquately hydrated.
Cattle are vulnerable to mouth sores or Orf disease during the dry season.
No reports of these animal diseases have reached the office yet.
Vincoy said the office conducted an information caravan around the province to give tips to farmers.
As an additional safeguard, Vincoy urged livestock owners to register their animals in their respective Municipal Agriculture Office to avail of insurance.
For farmers to be eligible for livestock insurance, they have to be members of good standing in a farmers’ association accredited by the local government unit.
He said Gov. Hilario Davide III has committed to let the province provide 100 percent coverage of the premiums for livestock insurance.