THE livestock market in Mangaldan town is now the biggest and cleanest in the province, according to district veterinarian Marissa de Vera.

De Vera said that the market conforms strictly to health and sanitation rules to ensure that livestock being sold there do not pose health risks both to animals and humans.

She said that Pangasinan has been free from foot and mouth disease (FMD) for years now because of strict policies on the transport and entry of livestock. Checkpoints have been set up in boundary areas to prevent entry of infected animals from other provinces.

The Mangaldan livestock market is being checked at least two times a week, she said.

On avian flu, she said that so far the country has been spared of the dreaded disease that has affected neighboring countries.

She told the Pantongtongan Tayo radio program of the Philippine
Information Agency over Radyo ng Bayan-DZMQ last Tuesday that the provincial veterinary office in coordination with other concerned agencies has adopted contingency measures for any eventuality.

“Sa awa ng Diyos wala pa naman,” she said.

De Vera, whose jurisdiction covers the towns in the fourth congressional district, stressed that cleanliness and sanitation must be maintained in the yard and in pens for pigs, goats and other animals to prevent diseases.

Pets like dogs must also be attended to properly by giving them regular bath and deworming, she said. Stale food is not advised for consumption even by animals, she pointed out. (DOS/PIA)