Typhoon Odette severely devastated the livestock and poultry industry, both backyard and commercial, of Negros Occidental, with losses at P742,391,003.50, the Provincial Veterinary Office said.
The damage assessment report provincewide included the value of dead animals, damaged feeds and other farm supplies, and animal housing and other farm structures, the PVO added.
It said that a month since the typhoon, the livestock and poultry raisers have yet to start recovery and rehabilitation efforts, and it may take longer for animal backyard growers.
Meanwhile, the PVO conducted a series of veterinary relief and rehabilitation missions in several localities of Negros Occidental, especially those badly hit by the typhoon.
The outreach included consultation, treatment, deworming, provision of feeds, veterinary drugs and vitamin supplements, and laboratory services.
It aims to help affected animals recover and return to their optimal health and production performance the soonest time possible, in order to address the possible post-typhoon shortage of livestock and poultry products in the market. | MML
