• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Damage to the livestock and poultry industry in Negros Occidental, due to the prevailing drought was valued at P10,080,100, following deaths of 11,556 chickens and other ruminants, as of April 26.
In her report to Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson, Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer Irene Bel Ploteña reported that the El Niño phenomenon also affected 870 animal raisers in 95 barangays of 21 local government units in Negros Occidental.
Ploteña reported further that in Hinigaran, Binalbagan, La Carlota City, Pontevedra, Murcia, Bago City and Moises Padilla, 183.15 hectares of pasture were damaged by drought, with damage placed at P2,685,500.
In terms of livestock and poultry damage, she said that Isabela suffered the most with 5,152 animals dead, costing P5,956.850. Ilog follows, with damage worth P1,482,950, following the deaths of 4,237 animals, as of April 26.
Provincial Veterinarian Dr. Placeda Lemana blamed the rising mortalities of livestock and poultry to the heat index, which was high as 43 degrees centigrade
In terms of animals, Lemana noted huge losses among poultry, with more than 10,000 fatalities.
These animals got dehydrated and eventually died, she said.*
