The National Livestock Program of the Department of Agriculture (DA) held a public consultation on the implementing guidelines, DA Administrative Order No. 05, Series of 2019, or the Guidelines on the local transport/shipment of animals, animal products, and by-products, for poultry and swine stakeholders on February 29, 2024, at the National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS).
During the public dialogue, while acknowledging the importance of AO 5 to control the spread of any animal diseases, some poultry stakeholders advocated for a ‘suspension’ of the said order, citing additional requirements, and instead proposed recommendations to ensure the welfare of animals and safeguard poultry industry against threat of avian influenza.
Likewise, swine stakeholders also called to focus on biosecurity measures and a holistic industry approach for the prevention of the spread of African Swine Fever. The DA assured that it will consolidate all position papers to furnish policies and guidelines in preventing animal diseases and enhancing the welfare of livestock stakeholders. ### (photos by Adones Buhayan, DA-AFID)
