RAC-ADCE convenes 3Q meeting to strengthen animal disease control

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10), through its Regulatory Division (RegDiv), hosted the third quarterly meeting of the Regional Advisory Committee for Animal Disease Control and Emergency (RAC-ADCE) to discuss emerging animal health concerns and strengthen disease prevention and control measures across Northern Mindanao.

Kristine B. Paño, DVM, Veterinarian II of DA-10 RegDiv, presented updates on transboundary animal diseases, including avian influenza, foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), African swine fever (ASF), and Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV).

The veterinarian also reported on the confirmed human case of JEV in Bukidnon. In response, field investigations, sample collection, monitoring, and documentation are being conducted in affected barangays to assess possible presence of JEV infection among animals.

The committee also deliberated on resolutions for endorsement to the National Advisory Committee for Animal Disease Control and Emergency (NAC-ADCE), including a proposed waiver of avian influenza testing requirements for the transport of backyard and commercial poultry products and by-products within the region, except live ducks.

Jinky C. Yap, DA-10 Livestock Focal Person, likewise presented the Animal Management Information System (AMIS), a platform soft-launched on August 28. The system is designed to consolidate animal industry data, including animal inventory, health and vaccination records, facilities, supply and demand, trade, feed, prices, and research and technology information.

Meanwhile, Ampie Magdalene C. Sua, DVM, Assistant Professor I of Central Mindanao University, also talked about the proposed Center for One Health and Veterinary Engagement in Mindanao (COVE-Min), which seeks to address health threats affecting animals, humans, and the environment through research, surveillance, capacity building, and policy engagement.

OIC-Chief of the Integrated Laboratories Division Oryza Kristy C. Baylo, DVM, emphasized the importance of holding regular RAC-ADCE meetings, noting that the council provides a venue for addressing concerns across the livestock sector and ensuring that the concerns of every sector are heard.

Through regular coordination among concerned agencies and stakeholders, the RAC-ADCE strengthens regional preparedness, surveillance, and response to animal disease threats, supporting the protection of Northern Mindanao’s livestock and poultry sector.# (CRS)