BERNOS WARNS AGAINST EFFECT OF EL NIÑO ON LIVESTOCK

A lawmaker called on the Department of Agriculture to take steps to protect farm animals against disease, as he warned that El Niño is impacting livestock health.

“The recent outbreak of bird flu among backyard birds in Calapan, Oriental Mindoro should serve as a warning of things to come with prolonged drought,” said Abra lone district Rep. JB Bernos.

“Nananawagan tayo sa DA na sa lalong madaling panahon ay maglatag na tayo ng mga hakbang para maiwasan ang lubusang pagkalat ng iba’t ibang sakit.”

Earlier this month, the highly pathogenic H5N1 bird flu was detected among backyard birds in Oriental Mindoro, which prompted the culling of a flock 39 poultry.

The lawmaker, a member of the House committee on agriculture and food, noted that weakened immune responses caused by heat and nutritional stress may increase disease vulnerability.

“Dahil sa init, dahil sa kawalan ng tubig at kakulangan ng pagkain, humihina ang kakayahan ng mga alagang-hayop na labanan ang sakit,” he said.

Bernos underscored the need to protect livestock during El Niño, as not only farmers and businesses but also Filipino families would be severely affected.

Scientists from the University of the Philippines Los Baños estimate that the livestock sector could reach up to P9.9 billion in losses due to El Niño.

Meanwhile, data from the Philippine Statistics Authority show that livestock and poultry together account for nearly 30 percent of total agricultural output.

“The livestock sector is central to food security. We must do our best in minimizing livestock loss to ensure that Filipino families get to eat as well as to protect the livelihood of our farmers.”