Negros Occidental’s first provincial government-run animal learning park and hospital, and animal disease diagnostics laboratory situated inside the Panaad Park and Stadium here is offering more affordable services for raisers and pet owners.

As of Tuesday, the facilities were opened to Negrenses coinciding with the week-long staging of the 27th Panaad sa Negros Festival which started on Monday.

Dr. Placeda Lemana, acting provincial veterinarian, said the rates for the services, which are based on a provincial ordinance, are lower compared to those charged by private animal hospitals.

“We no longer have a clinic at the capitol area. All the services are now here in the park. We accept consultation, treatment, grooming and confinement. The learning park is where children can learn about animals,” she told reporters.

Provincial administrator Rayfrando Diaz II said the integrated laboratory has the equipment to conduct tests for artificial insemination and also has an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technology for livestock and poultry diagnostics.

It also has a biomolecular laboratory that will conduct reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test to detect African swine fever (ASF), he added.

“Everything the Provincial Veterinary Office needs is here. We are concerned and we are focusing our attention and dedication on biosecurity all over Negros Occidental. We want to protect your animals to prevent avian flu and ASF,” Diaz said. (PNA)