Hypothermia kills 114 farm animals in Neg. Occ

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — A total of 114 farm animals in Negros Occidental died of hypothermia this month due to cold weather, causing losses of P912,290 to the poultry and livestock industry, the Provincial Veterinarian Office (PVO) said.

Provincial Veterinarian Renante Decena said the animal deaths were recorded in 24 villages in 12 towns and cities from January 2 to 27.

Of the affected animals, 49 were sheep, 38 swine, nine goats, nine poultry, seven cattle and three carabaos, most of which were owned by small-scale farmers, said the PVO report.

The animals that died were in the towns of Salvador Benedicto, Manapla, Toboso, Murcia, Valladolid, San Enrique and Moises Padilla and the cities of Sagay, Sipalay, Himamaylan, Cadiz, and La Carlota.

Hypothermia was observed at 16 to 20 Celsius with windy and rainy conditions, Decena said, adding that the animals showed symptoms of pneumonia- like coughing and chills. A report on the animals' deaths has been submitted to the Bureau of Animal Industry, he said.

Decena said the PVO has already mobilized para-vets to provide technical assistance and medicines to the farmers in the affected areas. — (FREEMAN)