City creates task force vs animal disease

A Task force was created to initiate safety efforts that will prevent the entry of animal diseases in Iloilo City.

The team will lead the conduct and implementation of activities and measures geared towards prevention, control, management and investigation of animal disease outbreaks.

Mayor Jerry P. Treñas issued Sept. 24 an Executive Order creating the Iloilo City Animal Task Force for Control and Emergencies.

Treñas chairs the taskforce with co-chairpersons Councilors Alan A. Zaldivar and Lyndon C. Acap, who chair committee on health and agriculture, respectively.

The members are City Veterinarian Dr. Tomas J. Forteza, Jr.; City Health Office Animal Bite Center head Dr. Maila Buyco; Office of the City Agriculturist Officer-in-charge Engr. Noel Z. Hechanova; and Local Economic Enterprise Office head Jose Ariel D. Castañeda.

They set a regular schedule to meet, discuss and review the preparedness and response plan. They also provide operational direction and facilitate budgetary requirements.

The Surveillance and Rapid Action Team is led by Forteza and members Dr. Fedy De La Cruz; Dr. Suzette Leal; Dr. Merlyn Plemones; Dr. Sylvia Bermillo; livestock inspectors; meat inspectors; agricultural technicians; and sanitary inspectors.

They team’s functions include:

-Conduct and intensify farm visits and report cases and animal health status in their areas of assignment;

Coordinate and conduct investigation during disease outbreaks;

-Collect samples of affected animals and coordinate with regional animal disease and diagnostic laboratory;

-Lead and coordinate with other teams and agencies in conduct of depopulation and disposal of all affected animals on basis of confirmed laboratory results;

-Cleaning and disinfection of affected farms or areas;

-Conduct vaccination activities during disease outbreaks, if necessary;

-Ensure proper cleaning and disinfection prior to restocking of animals; and

-Coordinate with Department of Agriculture for assistance and familiarization of protocols.

The Quarantine and Animal Movement Management Team is also led by Forteza and members livestock inspectors; meat inspectors; agricultural technicians; and sanitary inspectors; Public Safety and Transportation Management Office (PSTMO); and Philippine National Police (PNP).

• They establish and monitor animal checkpoints;
• Implement veterinary rules and regulations issued by the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) especially in all points of entry;
• Ensure that quarantine measures are properly in place during outbreaks;
• Assist the surveillance and rapid action team;
• Conduct tracing activities, both backward and forward, to determine the cause of infection;
• Conduct coordination for crowd control and management; and
• Coordinate with regional veterinary quarantine service.

The Logistic Support Team is led by City Administrator Melchor U. Tan; City Treasurer Jinny C. Hermano; City Budget Officer Ninda D. Atinado; and City General Services Officer Joren F. Sartorio. They prepare budget for all necessities in the conduct of all activities. (Iloilo City PIO)