DA starts conservation, care of Taal animals

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Agriculture has began the genetic conservation of animals affected by the recent eruption of Taal Volcano.

In a recent memorandum order, Agriculture Secretary William Dar issued the guidelines on the animal genetics conservation and rehabilitation program for areas affected by the eruption.

The eruption has affected agricultural activities including the livestock industry where 56,000 animals were affected.

There are still around 10,000 cattle, 10,000 goats, 2,400 horses, and 500 carabao that remain at risk in Batangas and Cavite.

Dar said there had been reports of massive buying of livestock animals in the area at very low prices.

“This scenario is a threat to the genetic integrity of livestock animals as traders intend the animals that they procure mainly for slaughter. To preserve the livestock genetics, there is a need to save these animals and prevent them from being sold to traders,” he added.

The DA will be undertaking a modality that would allow the preservation of surviving livestock, bringing the animals to rehabilitation centers for proper treatment and maintenance.

When the situation returns to normal, all animals will be returned to their owners for them to resume farming activities.

Based on the guidelines, only livestock raisers from the affected 14-kilometer danger zone are qualified to participate in the program, where all animals will be subject to physical examination and treatment.

DA-attached agency Philippine Crop. Insurance Corp. will provide free insurance to cover all animals pledged by their owners.

Backyard livestock growers will also be eligible to avail of the cash assistance under the livestock insurance advance payout scheme.

Based on the valuation matrix, cattle and carabao are valued at P4,000 to P8,000 per head, goats at P1,500 to P3,000 while horses at P3,000 to P5,000.