With an aim to craft a quick response plan for CALABARZON in case of an animal disease incident, the provincial veterinary offices (PVOs) in the region with the Department of Agriculture (DA) CALABARZON staff participated in a series of workshop on field sample collection and disease investigation with practicum on April 23 – 26, 2019 at Kahariam Farms in Lipa City, Batangas.
The said activity was facilitated by the Regional Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (RADDL), dividing the participants into five teams to wit, Sample and Investigation Team; Rapid Action Team; Animal Movement Management Team; Logistics Team; and Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) Team. Simulation of certain scenarios was conducted to picture what best course of action to take upon receipt of report/s of unexplained death in certain poultry farm.
As part of the preparation of the response plan, tool kits, sample kits, and scrub suits were distributed by the RADDL to the provincial veterinary offices’ representatives who attended the workshop.
According to Dr. Gloria G. Salazar, RADDL Chief, the activity aims to prepare the participants in case of an animal disease incident particularly with feathered animals.
Dr. Flomella A. Caguicla, PVO Head of Quezon, thanked the DA CALABARZON for the very good interventions it has been giving with the local government units, especially in protecting the livestock sector by providing workshops such as this activity and other logistical support.
On the other hand, Dr. Mary Grace M. Bustamante, PVO Head of Laguna, recalled the DA CALABARZON’s full support in their province when an animal disease incident occurred providing all the possible assistance the regional office’s can offer such as laboratory services and manpower support, to name a few.
“The close coordination between the regional office and the PVOs is necessary to effectively and efficiently prevent any animal disease that may enter our region,” Ms. Vilma M. Dimaculangan, Regional Livestock Program Coordinator, said in her message.
Another workshop for the creation of regional quick response plan will also be held in May focusing on animal diseases of four-legged animals. • RFL
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