Gov’t steps up efforts vs spread of Newcastle Disease

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO– The government is now spearheading efforts to combat the spread of Newcastle Disease (ND) in the region which mainly afflicts poultry, according to the Philippine Information Agency (PIA).

The Department of Agriculture (DA) Regional Field Office 3 (DARFO 3) and the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) issued a statement last week saying they have stepped up efforts against the spread of ND in Central Luzon.

“ND is an airborne contagious disease which primarily targets chickens. Its symptoms include internal wounds and twisting of head and neck,” DA Regional Executive Director Andrew Villacorta said.

Officials of the DA, BAI as well as officers of veterinary offices of local government units (LGUs) recently met to validate and assess the mortality rate in CL’s seven provinces and form a quick response team (QRT).

“We encourage all poultry raisers to practice vaccination and bio-security to prevent the spread of ND. Rest assured that we are also doing necessary measures against it,” Villacorta added.