In response to the recent eruption of Mt. Kanlaon, the Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) of Negros Occidental has dispatched 105 paraveterinarians to assist animal owners in the affected regions. The deployment comes as approximately 26,000 animals have shown signs of illness, suffering from respiratory and digestive issues due to the volcanic activity. Dr. Placeda Lemana, the provincial veterinarian, emphasized the critical role of these paravets in evaluating the extent of the damage and meeting the immediate needs of livestock owners in the third, fourth, and fifth districts of the province. The affected areas include the cities of Bago and La Carlota, and the municipalities of La Castellana, Pontevedra, and Murcia. The animals impacted range from poultry and swine to carabaos, goats, ducks, dogs, cattle, and cats. To support the rescue efforts, two veterinarians have been assigned to manage the Animal Rescue Center in Barangay 1, Moises Padilla, and another facility at a college oval in Barangay Robles, La Castellana. The PVO has also provided essential supplies such as vitamins, supplements, antibiotics, biologics, and wound sprays to the affected cities and towns. Additionally, 12 pet carriers were loaned to Bago City to facilitate the safe transport of animals from the disaster zones to evacuation centers.
