THE Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO), through its monthly consultative meeting, has underscored measures to further develop the local livestock and poultry development.
The meeting attended by PVO personnel, city veterinarians, municipal agriculturists and livestock technicians was held at Victorias Resort Pavillon in Victorias City on Wednesday.
The PVO, in a statement Friday, March 1, said the meeting is in line with the efforts of the provincial government on producing more livestock and poultry products.
The activity is also in support to the animal livelihood program of the province through the PVO, it added.
Rabies updates were also discussed during the meeting, considering that it is one of the major public health concerns being addressed by the province.
Provincial Veterinarian Renante Decena said PVO is pro-active in conducting education and information campaign about rabies in the province for more than a decade now.
The PVO's data, however, showed that there were 33 confirmed cases of canine rabies recorded in the province last year with an “alarming” seven human deaths.
The figure is 33 percent higher compared to reported cases in 2017, he added.
The implementation of PVO's Rabies Control Action Plan for 2019 has already started last February.
Under the plan, the PVO targets zero rabies case this year.
Moreover, the consultative meeting also underscored the diversification program of the province.
The strategic framework involving five major commodities such as black pigs, dairy and beef cattle, broiler production, layer and free-range chicken was presented.
As part of gearing up for the upcoming Panaad sa Negros Festival in April, the PVO also discussed various activities like live animal exhibits as well as other programs that require cooperation of local government units (LGUs).
“We are banking on the active participation of all stakeholders involved in livestock and poultry production,” the provincial veterinarian added.