THE Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) of Negros Occidental is strengthening its collaboration with veterinarians, livestock technicians and agriculturists of local government units (LGUs) for better implementation of its programs and projects in the province.
PVO, during the Poultry and Livestock Association in Negros Occidental (Plano) meeting in Bacolod City recently, underscored concerns and updates on its services.
These include animal livelihood program on dairy goat development and disaster risk management through establishment of animal rescue centers, silage production and pasture development.
Marketing support like the distribution of meat shop and processing equipment for qualified and deserving hog raisers association, weighing scales and holding-pen for livestock auction markets (LAM) were also presented.
Also, PVO stressed its commitment to the public in ensuring animal health.
Provincial Veterinarian Renante Decena said this is through biosecurity measures like strengthening veterinary quarantine services in all ports in the province and strict regulation and monitoring of commercial livestock and poultry farms.
Decena said control and prevention measures of endemic diseases of animals are ongoing.
These include conducting massive vaccination of animals against frequently occurring diseases, active disease surveillance in key livestock producing areas, and continued information and education campaign to all stakeholders on the prevention of animal diseases.
PVO continues to provide veterinary extension services through deployment of trained paravets in the barangays, especially among far-flung areas.
"These programs, projects and services are positioned to be readily available anywhere in the province," he said, adding they want to make livestock and poultry production along with animal health as strategic priorities to boost the provincial economy.
Technical personnel in various localities, for their part, assured sustained collaboration and commitment in the implementation of programs and projects.
"This collaboration is seen to spur promising opportunities and development for the province's livestock and poultry industry," the provincial veterinarian added.