by: Jumalynne Doctolero
QUEZON CITY (PIA) — The Department of Agriculture (DA) has laid down measures in anticipation of an egg shortage and price surge in the Philippines due to an ongoing global bird flu threat.
This is to address supply concerns and prevent a crisis similar to an ongoing outbreak of avian flu in the United States of America where a significant number of poultry had been culled.
The DA is currently speeding up the importation of egg-laying chickens to ensure enough supply in the country.
The Agency also pushes for the immediate approval of avian influenza vaccines by the Food and Drug Administration to protect the hens from the disease.
Likewise, a move to secure the National Livestock Program’s requested P300 million to fund vaccine testing, with the possibility of mass inoculation to begin in March.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. also urged financial institutions, similar to LandBank and the Development Bank of the Philippines, to provide funding to support the repopulation efforts of the industry. (JVD/PIA-NCR)
(Photo courtesy of DA)
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