With soaring temperatures recorded in Dagupan City, poultry farmers in Mangaldan, Pangasinan are urged to take extra precaution to protect their chickens from heat-related illnesses.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) forecasts even higher heat indices in the coming days.

The hottest temperatures are expected from late March to mid-April.

Dr. Wilino Zacarias, municipal veterinarian of Mangaldan, advised poultry growers to ensure proper ventilation and provide enough drinking water to prevent heat stroke in chickens.

“Basta provide ample, enough water para makainom sila, tapos ventilation ayusin dapat,” he said.

A poultry farm in Barangay Banaoang, housing over 5,000 cull chickens set for sale in early April, has been monitoring the birds closely.

Gerald Cruz, the farm’s caretaker, said they are ensuring they have sufficient shade, ventilation, and water.

“Pinapainom talaga namin ng tubig regular, tapos palagi silang binabantayan at saka malilim diyan, hindi rin sila siksikan,” he said.

So far, the Mangaldan Veterinary Office has not reported any poultry deaths due to heat, but they have advised farmers to immediately report any unusual cases to prevent potential losses.