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Tuesday, June 21, 2022

DA's animal disease molecular laboratory opens in Caraga region

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) has established an animal disease molecular laboratory in this city. 

Surveillance and detection of animal diseases would now be easier and faster while boosting the livestock industry in Caraga, including its nearby regions. 

This P72-million facility will also capacitate the Department when it comes to the utilization of real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).

According to Dr. Esther Cardeño, chief of regional animal diagnostic laboratory of DA-Caraga, the diagnostic techniques could aid in the identification of bacteria, viral deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), and ribonucleic acid (RNA).

Cardeño added that through the molecular laboratory, the Department could now provide services for African Swine Fever, Classical Swine Fever or Hog Cholera, Avian Influenza, Porcine Parvo Virus, and other diseases.

This will also help farmers of rice and animals, students and teachers. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)