LINGAYEN – The province of Pangasinan continues to remain free from the dreaded Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) since it was declared as such in December last year.

This was disclosed by Dr. Benedicto Perez, provincial veterinarian, who said the National FMD Task Force has certified that Pangasinan is already FMD-free since Dec. 16 last year.

The province earned the credit as no FMD case was noted in any part of the province for the last three years.

Perez thanked Gov. Victor E. Agbayani for his all-out support in the establishment of six checkpoints in various entrances to the province.

The checkpoints were set up in Carmen, Rosales; Umingan, Bayambang, the provincial boundary along Camiling, Tarlac; Basista, and San Fabian.

All these were manned by personnel of the Bureau of Animal Industry central office. Although Pangasinan is now FMD-free, the checkpoints are still in place, Perez said
The National FMD task force does not only monitor the existence of FMD but also the possible emergence of the more dreaded avian flu in the country.

Perez said Agbayani has directed his office and other related agencies to tightly monitor migratory birds and fowls being transported. The BAI is now helping in the watch for wild fowls in the province.

Perez said there will never be bird flu in the country because the virus does not thrive here owing to the country’s hot weather condition.