Philippines Remains FMD-Free
PHILIPPINES - The Province of Antique and other provinces in Region 6 remain free of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD-free), said Dr Romeo Magdato, Provincial Veterinarian.
16 August 2010
2 minute read
The Mindanao and Visayas provinces including Palawan and Masbate has maintained its FMD free status since 2001 and 2002 respectively while two zones in Luzon were granted FMD-free status recently by the Office of International Epizootics (OIE) or World Organisation for Animal Health.
The two zones in Luzon certified by OIE are Zone 1- North Luzon which comprise of Cordillera Administrative Region, Cagayan Valley, the Province of Aurora in Central Luzon and Region 1 (except for the province of Pangasinan) and Zone 3- South Luzon includes Bicol Region and Region IV B which comprise the provinces of Mindoro, Marinduque and Romblon.
The other areas in Luzon, according to Dr Magdato, are under Zone 2 in which the certification is still pending. These areas are Central Luzon (except for the Province of Aurora), Region IV A or the CALABARZON Region, the National Capital Region and the Province of Pangasinan in Region I.
Dr Magdato said, the certification of OIE in Luzon areas as FMD free, is a big boost to the livestock industry in the country not only for export of livestock and meat products from these areas but also availment of genetic materials from breeders in Luzon to other areas in Visayas and Mindanao.
Meanwhile, in Antique prices of cattle remain stable where supply are in demand by livestock traders from Manila and other parts of the region.
However, liveweight of swine decreases were seen due to sufficient supply in the market. Families are forced to sell their cattle especially in the lean months of July and August not only to buy food for the family, but also for the tuition and other school needs of their children, said Dr Magdato.
Prices will go up towards September until the last quarter of the year where there will be high demand for meat for the holiday season.
