Timely vaccination a must to protect livestock: Fisheries and Livestock Adviser

Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter on Saturday underscored the need for ensuring timely vaccination to prevent livestock diseases, terming disease control a major challenge in cattle farming.

"Vaccines are administered to protect livestock from diseases, not just for meat production or export, but primarily to safeguard animal health," she said.

The adviser made the remarks while addressing the inauguration of a vaccination programme against Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in four selected districts, held at the field adjacent to Joynagar Government Primary School in Manikganj municipality.

She instructed livestock officials to ensure that vaccines are administered on schedule and urged them to remain proactive in providing maximum support to farmers.

Regarding Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD), Farida Akhter mentioned that efforts are underway to produce the required vaccines domestically.

Expressing concern over low milk prices, she said farmers face severe losses due to unfair pricing of milk. "It is essential to establish chilling centres across the country", she added.

Speaking as special guest, Fisheries and Livestock Secretary (routine duty), Md. Tofazzal Hossain highlighted the critical role of farmers in ensuring food security and advancing the economy.

The event was presided over by Director General of the Department of Livestock Services Dr. Md. Abu Sufian.

Manikganj Deputy Commissioner Dr. Anwar Hossain Molla, Superintendent of Police Mosammat Yasmin Khatun, department's Director Dr. Md. Boyjar Rahman, and Project Director of the PPR Eradication and FMD Control Project Dr. Amar Jyoti Chakma also spoke.

Senior officials of the Livestock Department and cattle farmers from different areas were present.

Noting that, under the "PPR Eradication and Foot and Mouth Disease Control (2nd Revised)" project, the Department of Livestock Services launched the vaccination drive in four selected districts-Manikganj, Sirajganj, Pabna, and Bhola-on Saturday morning to control FMD among cattle and buffaloes.