PRESS RELEASE
Department of Agriculture RFU 5
San Agustin, Pili, Camarines Sur
July 13, 2012

Over two hundred twenty seven (227) agricultural extension workers in the region completed the retooling course on Agri-Pinoy Livestock Program and Economically Important Diseases. The training aims to strengthen the capacities of agricultural extension workers on the implementation of various livestock program and projects in the region. The training also updates the AEWs on the latest trends in livestock production; enhance their knowledge and skills on advocacy, prevention and control of economically important diseases; improve their skills on the proper procedures and techniques in handling blood and fecal specimen for examination; review the existing policies and legal mandates on feeds, drugs and biologics and animal welfare and improve the consolidation and submission of reports.

Agricultural extension workers are in the frontline and directly involved in the implementation of various programs and projects of the DA. They are constantly in contact with the farmers and livestock producers on problems related to livestock production. According to Agriculture Regional Executive Director Jose V. Dayao after the implementation in 1991 of the local government code ( RA 7160) agricultural extension workers were devolved to the LGUs there is a need to constantly update their capability in terms of new technologies and program updates. He added that it is also imperative that they should know the emerging economically important diseases like hemorraghic septicemia, rabies, hog cholera, new castle disease and fasciolosis. Dayao said that with these training the AEWs will be familiar with these diseases so they can be prevented and outbreak can be avoided. He also said that regular updating will be conducted not only to livestock AEWs but also of other commodities to ensure right information and technologies are disseminated to farmers and livestock producers. Likewise, hands-on in sample collection is also important to ensure correct/accurate laboratory results.

Other secondary diseases discussed in the training were: surra, FMD and avian influenza. They were also updated on the quarantine rules and regulatory programs of the region. Other topics discussed include: Precautions in handling affected animals and specimens; Collection and Handling of Specimens for Laboratory Examination; Actual sampling and collection of specimens at the abattoir (large animals) and collection of laboratory samples from poultry.

Participants were also provided with the animal health personnel field manual which will serve as reference or practical guide in the monitoring and surveillance in disease control and management.

Speakers for the training are: Mr. Raymond R. Marcelino, Livestock Program Coordinator, Dr.Rene Almonte; Chief Regulatory Division, Dr. Josefina Bañadera Livestock Program Report Officer; Dr. Rona P. Bernales Animal Health Coordinator; Dr. Marissa Guillermo OIC Regional Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory; Dr. Emmanuel Villafuerte, Quarantine Officer and Mr. Florentino U. Ubalde. (mabelle roa-ilan)

Dr. Rene Almonte chief of the regulatory division discussing updates on regulatory programs. Photo below shows Dr.Rona Bernales animal health coordinator discussing economically important diseases.This was held at DA library for AEWs of Camarines Sur.

Retooling of Agriculture Extension Workers AEWs in Sorsogon.

Collection of laboratory samples from poultry.