Farmers in Antique are told to secure their animals and prepare their food and water in anticipation of the impact of Typhoon Tino.

Farmers should transfer their carabaos, cows and other animals to safer ground or to local government unit shelters, Antique Provincial Veterinary (ProVet) Office’s chief of Public Health Division Dr. Marco Rafael Ardamil told farmers.

“There have been instances in the past when farmers got drowned while crossing the river in their attempt to save their farm animals, which is why they are already being told to do it now as part of their preparation,” Ardamil said in an interview on Monday.

He said enough food and water should be ready since they could not predict how many days the effects of the typhoon would last.

For easy identification, it is encouraged that owners put collar tags or any marks in case they float or are carried away by strong water current.

The identification would likewise make it easier to facilitate the insurance claim in case the animal dies.

“Farmers are also to administer vitamin supplementation to their farm animals so these would have resistance to diseases,” he said.

Ardmil added that dead animals should not be slaughtered as a food safety measure.

Farm animal mortalities may be reported to the Municipal Agriculture Offices (MAOs) or ProVet for inclusion in the damage report for possible assistance. (PNA)