• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The prevailing drought in Negros Occidental has brought havoc to the livestock and poultry industry, with damage pegged at P10,080,100, following the death of 11,556 chickens and other ruminants.
In a report to Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, Provincial Disaster Management Program Division head Irene Bel Ploteña said that affected were 870 animal raisers in 95 barangays of 21 local government units.
Some 183.15 hectares of pasture in Hinigaran, Binalbagan, La Carlota City, Pontevedra, Murcia, Bago City and Moises Padilla were also hit by the prolonged dry weather, with damage placed at P2,685,500.
In terms of livestock and poultry damage, Isabela suffered most with 5,152 animal deaths, costing P5,956.850, followed by Ilog, with P1,482,950, after 4,237 animals died as of April 26.
Dr. Placeda Lemana, provincial veterinarian, blamed the rising mortalities of livestock and poultry to the heat index as high as 43 degrees Celsius.
Lemana noted huge losses among poultry, with more than 10,000 heads recorded as mortalities.
These animals got dehydrated and eventually died, she added. | GB
