Moreover, as the local herds are upgraded and crossed with exotic germplasms, gene pools to conserve indigenous bloodlines will be developed and maintained. A gene pool for native carabaos is being maintained by the PCC.
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The program also involves the nation-wide implementation of the Unified Artificial Insemination Program (UNAIP) where the efforts to upgrade cattle and carabaos for beef and dairy are integrated under one program.
The shortage of quality stock is quite pronounced in the dairy sector. To address this, the NDA enters into contract breeding arrangements with selected |
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ranchers and cooperators where the local herds are bred with dairy type semen. The resulting “dairy-type” offsprings are purchased by the NDA for distribution in the dairy zones.
A Breeder Stock Accreditation Program has been implemented. Under this Program, swine, cattle and goat farms that maintain genetically superior stock of certified genetics are accredited and publicized as genuine sources of breeder stock.
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The Animal Health Program, spearheaded by the BAI, specifically targets the eradication and control of diseases. The priority diseases for eradication are Foot and Mouth Disease, Hog Cholera and New Castle Disease. These three diseases alone cost the industry more than P 5 billion pesos annually.
The program requires strategic vaccination, disease surveillance through checkpoints and monitoring stations, quarantine and related activities and an information dissemination component. |
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(As an update on the FMD Eradication Program: Mindanao was certified FMD–free by the OIE in 2001; Visayas, Palawan and Masbate soon followed in 2002. The target of the program is to have the whole Luzon be locally declared as FMD-free by 2006)
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Measures are implemented to keep our borders free from diseases such as BSE (“Mad-Cow”) and Avian Influenza (“Bird flu”). Both diseases threaten livestock and public health. Both diseases have seriously damaged the industries of many developing and developed economies. Both have not entered the Philippines. The efforts are designed to prevent their entry altogether.
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Other economically important diseases are addressed. Among these are Surra, Hemorrhagic septicemia, internal and external parasites. Additionally, there are new and emerging diseases being addressed. |
