PHL livestock inventory up in July, but Newcastle Disease hits chicken

The number of livestock in the country increased in general as of July this year, but the inventory of chicken fell due to the Newcastle Disease.

The latest data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) revealed that as of July 1, the inventory for hogs, goats, carabaos, and cattle increased year-on-year.

Hog inventory grew by 170,243 heads or 1.38 percent to 12.497 million from 12.327 million, goat by 33,058 or 0.89 percent to 3.710 million from 3.677 million, carabao by 13,546 or 0.47 percent to 2.888 million from 2.874 million, and cattle by 15,392 or 0.60 percent to 2.555 million from 2.540 million.

On the other hand, chicken inventory fell by 1.367 million or 0.77 percent to 174.540 million from 175.907 million.

Rolando T. Dy, executive director of the Center for Food and Agribusiness of the University of Asia & the Pacific attributed the decline in chicken inventory to the Newcastle Disease.

"Chicken hit by new castle disease," he said in a text message.

Earlier this year, the Department of Agriculture noted several poultry farms in Luzon were compelled to cut losses and avoid bankruptcy by shutting down.

An outbreak was also declared in seven towns in Ilocos Norte due to the alarming incidence of chicken deaths in Pagudpug, Burgos, Bangui, Adams, Dingras, Marcos, and Banna.

The Agriculture Department noted the disease attacks mainly the lungs and nervous system of birds and poultry, and can quickly wipe out 100 percent of a commercial chicken flock. — VDS, GMA News