and poultry, including the common animal diseases, farmers’ practices, and how Veterinary Civic Action Program or VetCAP as a response will help farmers improve the health and produc-
veterinary techniques for Mindanao, presenting a comparative situation for vet services. He mentioned that in Luzon and Visayas farmers pay for the services compared to Min-
tivity of their animals. Problems encountered as well as the areas for collaboration was also tackled. Cpt. Angelito Borja, a veterinarian by profession and a reservist at the AFP Veterinary Corps, discussed the
danao like Sulu where it is provided through outreach activity for free. Common diseases and treatment was also part of the discussions. The topic on Veterinary Education in the Philippines was also enlightening and is seen to open opportunities for
the academe and the students the potentials of opening a course or pursuing studies on veterinary considering that the province of Sulu lack graduates of veterinary medicine. The topic on pesticides and herbicides toxicity was discussed by Lt. Col. Don Beckett the Joint Special Operations Task Force veterinarian. He supported his lecture with result of research studies regarding the effects and toxicities to animals and man. This is a timely topic considering the farmers’ uncontrolled use of pesticides to manage external parasites like flies, mites, ticks and mange. He also stressed that improper use of herbicides to control weeds/grasses will endanger animals because they feed on grasses. Though agricultural chemical is critical to production its misuse will lead to health
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
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