Flood causes Tk 77 crore losses to livestock sector in Chattogram division

The recent floods have caused approximately Tk 77.15 crore in financial losses to the livestock sector in Chattogram division, including cattle, poultry, farms and animal feed, according to the latest report from the Chattogram Divisional Livestock Department.

According to the report, the losses occurred in 191 unions under 45 upazilas across five districts of the division. District-wise, Chattogram district was the worst affected with losses exceeding Tk 60.06 crore, followed by Cox's Bazar with approximately Tk 13.54 crore, Rangamati with about Tk 3 crore, Khagrachhari with Tk 37 lakh and Bandarban with Tk 17 lakh.

A total of 10,991 cattle and poultry farms were damaged in the floods. Some 161,394 cattle and poultry died, while 3,333,642 animals were affected. The financial loss from the dead animals alone is approximately Tk 4.85 crore.

Additionally, 910 tonnes of pelleted animal feed, 14,265 tonnes of straw and 9,129 tonnes of grass were destroyed, causing further financial distress to farmers. Extensive grazing lands in Chattogram, Cox's Bazar, Bandarban and Rangamati have also been submerged, which authorities fear could worsen the feed crisis in the long term.

Over 223,000 cattle, about 5,000 buffaloes, over 160,000 sheep, over 2,845,000 chickens and over 70,000 ducks have fallen ill due to the flood impact. Among these affected animals, 11,897 cattle and 84,650 poultry have received treatment so far. Additionally, 10,689 cattle and 19,027 poultry have been vaccinated to prevent disease.