The number of farm animal deaths due to extreme cold rose to 592, and costing P3,098,290 in Negros Occidental as of yesterday.

The deaths have affected 28 baranggays in Sagay, Sipalay, Bago, Himamaylan, Cadiz and La Carlota cities; and Salvador Benedicto, Toboso, Valladolid, San Enrique, Murcia, Manapla and Moises Padilla towns.

Provincial Veterinarian Renante Decena said the poultry industry is the most affected with the death of 486 gamefowls and egg-laying chickens valued in P2.2 million.

The extreme cold since January 2 has also caused the death of the following: sheep – 49, swine – 38, goat – 9, cattle – 7, and carabao – 3, in 24 barangays costing P894,086, Decena said.

However, he also said, he believes that the deaths will not affect the prices of pork, beef and dressed chicken in the market as the number of the fatalities is still considered negligible.

Decena added that the paravets that he had earlier mobilized to provide technical assistance and medicines in the affected areas are also checking if there are other towns and cities affected by the animal deaths.

The Provincial Disaster Management Coordinating Council reported that the average temperature in Negros Occidental since Monday has been between 25 to 26 degrees Celsius.

Decena had advised farm animal raisers to provide adequate housing, feeds and care for the farm animals, construct barns and should have hay or silage and other items as heat insulator.

Decena added that ruminant raisers should cut and carry grass during bad weather and not tether the animals in the fields, while gamecock raisers should construct closed facilities during typhoon and cold weather, or provide heaters.*APN

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