Impact of Viral Diseases on the Livestock Sector in Bangladesh.
Md Salauddin, Md Ahanaf Ajmaeen Khan, Azri Rahmati, Md Golzar Hossain, Masaru Shimada, Sukumar Saha
Abstract
Open AccessViral diseases pose a significant threat to Bangladesh's livestock sector, resulting in substantial economic losses and impeding overall growth. These infections disrupt animal productivity, undermine food security, and place financial strain on farmers. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the major viral diseases impacting livestock in Bangladesh. The cumulative burden of viral diseases jeopardizes a sector that contributes 1.54% to the national GDP. Factors such as uncontrolled animal movement and trade, along with climate change, exacerbate disease transmission and increase the risk of outbreaks. The economic repercussions extend beyond production losses to include rising food prices and serious public health concerns stemming from zoonotic transmission and antimicrobial resistance. Effective mitigation requires integrated control strategies, including widespread vaccination, strengthened biosecurity, and robust disease surveillance. Enhancing veterinary infrastructure and aligning with international disease control standards will improve market access and ensure sector sustainability. Long-term resilience will depend on coordinated efforts among government agencies, private stakeholders, and international partners to safeguard food security and rural livelihoods.