The heat index in Dagupan City has reached 40 degrees Celsius with state weather bureau PAGASA warning of even higher levels in the coming days.

Authorities said the hottest period is expected from April 2026 until the second week of May 2026, raising concerns not only for people but also for livestock, particularly poultry.

Mangaldan Municipal Veterinarian, Dr. Wilino Zacarias, said there are no confirmed reports yet of chicken deaths due to heat, but some cases may go unreported.

“So far sa ngayon, wala kaming reported na namamatay na mga manok, pero sa init ngayon, malamang mayroon, kaya lang hindi na naire-report dito sa atin,” he said.

The Municipal Agriculture Office has reminded poultry growers to take preventive measures, noting that farmers are already familiar with how to manage extreme heat during the dry season.

“May mga prevention naman na ang mga poultry grower natin kasi cycle na ito, alam na nila ang gagawin nila,” Zacarias added.

At a poultry farm in Barangay Banaoang, more than 5,000 chickens are being raised and are scheduled for sale next month.

Farm workers said they conduct regular monitoring and ensure proper ventilation and enough water supply to prevent heat-related illness among the birds.

“Dapat tubig talaga, marami. Napapainom namin sila ng tubig,” Mark Carbonel, a caretaker, said.

Based on monitoring by the Mangaldan Veterinary Office, no poultry deaths linked to extreme heat have been recorded as of April 7.