The City Veterinarian’s Office is at the core of the system for the prevention and control of animal diseases. As part of its Disease Prevention and Control Program, Barangay Animal Health Day is conducted regularly. The goal is to reach farmers from rural puroks/barangays and offer them veterinary services such as vaccination, deworming, vitamin/mineral supplementation, fecal sample collection, and treatment.
Vaccination
Vaccination is very effective in the prevention and control of many diseases, namely- Hemorrhagic Septicemia, Avian Pest, and Hog Cholera. These are just some of the economically significant infectious diseases that can heavily affect the progress and development of the livestock and poultry industry, especially in Davao.
In the last quarter of 2021, an estimated total of 454 heads of livestock animal (cattle, carabao, goat, horse, sheep, etc.) vaccinated against Hemorrhagic Septicemia; 1,832 swine heads against Hog Cholera; and 19,202 poultry heads against Avian Pest with an estimated overall total of 408 farmers accommodated. Most of them are from far-flung areas such as Marilog, Paquibato, Tugbok, Calinan, and Baguio Districts.
Deworming and Vitamin/Mineral Supplementation
Deworming is also essential in removing disease-causing parasites that may result in discomfort or death if left untreated. Vitamin supplementation, on the other hand, is essential. Vitamins help maintain normal physiological functions for growth, body development, and reproduction. Regular deworming and vitamin supplementation will ensure that livestock animals maintain their general good health and improve animal productivity.
In the last quarter of 2021, an estimated total of 11,202 livestock animals were dewormed, and 523 farmers served. 11,192 animals supplemented with vitamins and minerals, with 664 farmers served.
Animal Treatment
There are many types of approaches to treat various animal sicknesses. The last quarter of the year 2021 was the most challenging one, treating abscesses on animals caused by infection. An abscess is an accumulation of pus under the skin that may be accompanied by pain, heat, and swelling on the affected area.
Early detection and diagnosis are some of the key mechanisms to prevent animal disease progression. Also, seeking assistance from veterinarians is recommended in providing proper diagnosis and treatment. In the last quarter of 2021, an estimated total of 515 livestock animals were treated, with 106 farmers served. Aside from abscesses on animals, treatment of lice infestation is also common in some rural parts of Davao.
Fecal Sample Collection
In connection to treatment, fecal analysis is an effective means of diagnosis of any infection, presence of parasite, and malnutrition.
In the fourth quarter of 2021, a partial total of 54 fecal samples from 18 clients were collected and submitted to Davao City Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory located in Ma-a for analysis. The result and recommendation will provide the livestock technicians with an appropriate approach to administrating treatment.
Diseases affecting livestock can have a devastating impact on animal productivity and production, livestock trading, meat, and other meat by-products, on human health, and, consequently, on the overall process of economic development. However, through good governance and quality of the veterinary services that we can provide, benefits for agricultural production, food security, safety, public health, and alleviation of rural poverty are attainable.
