Bulacan imposes the need for appropriate biosecurity in the animal industry
CITY OF MALOLOS – Bulacan Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado called for a dialogue with the stakeholders of poultry, quail, duck and hog industries dubbed as Usapang Biosecurity: Pangangalaga sa Industriya ng Panghahayupan as the Department of Agriculture (DA) brought in their experts to teach the important do’s and don’ts held at The Hiyas Pavilion, Hiyas ng Bulacan Convention Center here, Tuesday afternoon.
“Naniniwala po tayo na hindi lamang seguridad sa pagkain ang nakasalalay rito bagkus isang pangunahing hanapbuhay na sumusustina at nagpapasigla sa ekonomiya ng lalawigan,” Alvarado said in light to why the forum is important.
Under Secretary for Operations Ariel T. Cayanan of the DA, the event’s guest of honor, mentioned how important the role of Bulacan in the economy as it is known to feeding the hungry mouths of Metro Manila and underscored how prevention is better than cure.
“More than 10 million will get hungry kung magkakaproblema ang food production sa Bulacan pero may mga measure na pwedeng gawin tulad ng pag-aaral o drills para mapahigpit ang biosecurity. Katulad ng fire drill, hindi kailangan magkasunog para gawin, ng earthquake drill, hindi kailangan may lindol pero nage-earthquake drill tayo, para kung sakali alam na natin ang gagawin at hindi po tayo magpa-panic kapag nangyari,” Cayanan said.
He also advised the attendees to take the opportunity to learn but clarified that the mere purpose of the forum is not only to learn but to impart.
Moreover, Dr. Ronny Domingo, Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) OIC Director shared his knowledge about the Biosecurity; epidemics that hit the country, things to do to avoid it, the role of government when it comes to this situation, causes of diseases of the animals and the 12 Utos ng Biosecurity including appointment of coordinator, fence the farm, daily check the animals, proper clothing, control flies, rats and others, lessen visitors, avoid borrowing of equipment and tools, proper disposal of dead animals, effective waste management, choosing where to buy, water inspection and buying from trusted feed stores.
In addition, he said that the forum is essential to Bulakenyos in giving a wider perspective to the importance of appropriate biosecurity in every farmhouse especially now that threats such as climate change, mass movement, intensified animal production and microbial mutations are prominently observed.
Meanwhile, Dr. Anthony Bucad from Animal Health and Welfare Division of BAI gave the requirements for accreditation and transport in order to prevent the spread of diseases. It includes 1. letter of application for accreditation; 2. coordination by AHWD staff for schedule; 3. schedule of visit and sample collection for laboratory testing if necessary; 4. evaluation of all pertinent documents and other requirements by AHWD staff; 5. coordination by AHWD staff regarding findings; and 6. issuance of Certificate of Accreditation signed by the Director or his duly authorized representative.
During the forum, Anita Castillo of Norzagaray, one of the poultry raisers, said that they are undergoing two quarantines, one in BAI and another at the airport and asked if they can transport their poultry directly to the airport instead. Dr. Domingo replied that they really need to get the shipping permit from Bulacan and clarified that quarantine is only in BAI and what they do at the airport is just validation.
Meanwhile, Ramil Reyes, a barangay councilor in San Gabriel, City of Malolos shared his thoughts about the forum and said, “malalaman mo kung paano maiiwaasan ang virus na papasok dito sa ating Bulacan kaya magandang makinig”.
Also present during the dialogue were Vice Governor Daniel R. Fernando, city/municipal mayors and vice mayors, barangay captains and city/municipal agriculture officers.
For inquiries or clarifications about biosecurity in the animal industry, please call the BAI-NVQSD at (02) 9254343, 9200815 or 9200816 or the BAI-RVQS III at (045) 9610244.