FOLLOWING the implementation of the Animal Quarantine Law, cases of livestock and poultry disease have lessened in Benguet province.
"We have no reported cases of mortalities of chicken because of the strict implementation of the law," Provincial Veterinarian Miriam Tiongan said.
With the Quarantine Law taking effect last September 2017, Tiongan said they have yet to receive report of mortalities among livestock growers.
Previously, cases of new castle disease were reported in the province including infectious bronchitis, a common diseases among poultry and livestock animals.
The Animal Disease Diagnostic Reference Laboratory in Quezon City, Manila through the Chief Veterinary Laboratory Division Magdalena Cruz said from January to December 2016, confirmed positive cases of new castle disease and infectious bronchitis in Kapangan, Tublay, Sablan,Tuba, Kabayan, La Trinidad, Mankayan and Bokod followed by Itogon in 2017.
Tiongan added with the inter movement of diseases, animals have a big role in spreading diseases especially with the province of Benguet as a market destination.
"It is necessary that all will be strictly assessed," said Tiongan.
The new Benguet Animal Quarantine law, approved last year, aims to ensure public health and safety and minimize the occurrence of animal diseases by intensifying prevention brought in by animal traders.
Under the law, penalties, violations and regulatory fees were imposed to livestock entering the province.
The fees goes directly to the general fund of the province under the provincial law. Traders who are engaged in selling livestock in the province are required to have animal health certificate and veterinary shipping permit.
Currently there are five main entry checkpoints along the entry roads of the province including the Palispis-Aspiras Highway (Marcos Highway), Naguillian Road (Sablan), Kennon Road (Tuba), Benguet-Nueza Viscaya Road (Bokod), and Mt. Ptovince -Benguet Road-Bangao (Buguias) which are being monitored by 43 quarantine livestock inspectors said Tiongan.