Take immediate action to control bird flu

With Eid approaching, bird flu has been detected in the country. The virus was identified at a government poultry farm in Jashore. This marks the return of bird flu to Bangladesh since it was last detected in 2018, raising concerns among farmers. According to reports published on Thursday (March 27), out of 3,978 chickens at the farm, 1,900 have died due to the flu. In an effort to prevent the spread of the disease, the remaining chickens were culled. Bird flu first appeared in Bangladesh in March 2007, leading to the culling of over 1 million chickens. In May 2008, human cases of bird flu were also detected in the country.

The poultry sector supplies more than half of the country's total meat demand. There are 95,523 poultry farms in Bangladesh, and entrepreneurs in the sector have reported that rising animal feed prices due to the Ukraine-Russia war and the dollar crisis have made it difficult for many farms to survive. Since the pandemic, 62,656 farms have been shut down due to high costs. To prevent bird flu from becoming another catastrophe for poultry farmers, the government must take effective measures to contain the disease. Otherwise, the poultry sector will face a severe crisis.

The Director General of the Department of Livestock, Dr Mohammad Abu Sufian, informed the media that bird flu was detected in a government farm in Jashore on March 12. He stated that samples have been sent abroad for testing, but the symptoms are mild. He also mentioned that immediate instructions have been issued to all government poultry farms, and poultry farm organizations have been advised to remain vigilant, ensuring adequate safety measures, vaccinations, and testing.

Government sources informed that there is sufficient specialized vaccine available, and there is no reason to panic this time, as the situation is not as severe as in previous outbreaks. Authorities have urged everyone to be cautious to avoid any unnecessary confusion or misinformation about bird flu. Poultry farmers and consumers should not be overly concerned.

Although the situation is not alarming, it is important to stay vigilant. With the price of beef out of reach for many lower-income people, chicken has become a staple for many during Eid and other celebrations. If bird flu spreads, it could make it difficult for people to afford or consume chicken. While the Director General of Livestock has advised against stopping the consumption of chicken, many may still avoid it, leading to potential losses for poultry farmers. The Bangladesh Poultry Association (BPA) has issued a statement, warning that in the past, thousands of poultry farmers lost their livelihoods due to bird flu outbreaks. If this situation is not controlled quickly, the current crisis could become even more severe. Immediate action is needed to control bird flu. If it spreads uncontrollably, it will not only affect the poultry industry but could also have a negative impact on the country’s food security and economy.