CABANATUAN CITY (PIA) — The Nueva Ecija Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) is intensifying its animal health protection and environmental sanitation through sustained regulatory monitoring and disease surveillance.
Provincial Veterinary Officer Jenny Averilla said the office implements strict animal movement regulation, regular farm inspections, and the issuance of veterinary health certificates to prevent the spread of animal-borne diseases and protect food safety.
“About 70 percent of our work involves regulatory functions, including monitoring animal movement and inspecting animals transported within and outside the province,” Averilla disclosed.
She added that continuous disease surveillance, particularly for swine and poultry, is conducted to detect and prevent potential outbreaks at an early stage.
Averilla explained that veterinary health certificates ensure livestock and poultry comply with national health and sanitation standards prior to transport.
She also said routine inspections of poultry and swine farms are carried out, especially before and during harvest periods, to address sanitation issues and fly infestation concerns affecting surrounding communities.
“Before harvest, farms are required to secure a farm inspection certificate, a veterinary health certificate, and a veterinary inspection certificate from the LGU or municipal sanitation office, aside from inspections conducted by the Provincial Veterinary Office,” she stated.
She noted that these measures help balance livestock production with public health protection and environmental cleanliness.
The PVO coordinates with Task Force Kalikasan and local government units to strengthen enforcement, compliance, and on-site monitoring at the community level.
Averilla said proactive monitoring allows early identification of animal disease risks and environmental issues linked to livestock operations.
She stressed that cooperation among farmers, local authorities, and residents remains crucial in sustaining responsible livestock practices throughout Nueva Ecija.
PVO reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining effective animal health regulation and environmental protection to safeguard communities and food systems in the province. (CLJD/MCAL, PIA Region 3–Nueva Ecija)
