🐄 Animal Health Is Food Security: Bangladesh Adviser Urges Unified Livestock Strategy

Dhaka, June 29, 2025 | Dairy Dimension Perspective
Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter delivered a strong message on the centrality of animal health to food security and human nutrition, while addressing the Dean’s Award and Orientation-2024 program at Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University in Dhaka.

🔑 “No Compromise on Animal Health”

Speaking to students and academic leaders, Akhter emphasised that livestock diseases—whether in cattle, poultry, or other farm animals—pose not only productivity challenges but also serious public health risks.

“Cattle and poultry often suffer from various diseases. If their health is not protected, human food security will also be at risk,” she warned.
“There is no room for compromise with animal health.”

Her comments align with a growing global consensus on the One Health approach, which integrates human, animal, and environmental health into a single framework to address zoonotic threats, foodborne illnesses, and pandemic preparedness.

🧬 The Rising Concern of Zoonoses

Farida Akhter particularly noted the growing threat of zoonotic diseases—those transmitted from animals to humans—and cautioned against separating human and animal health concerns.

“It is no longer appropriate to view animal and human health separately. Animal health must be given greater priority.”

With global experiences ranging from avian flu to COVID-19 and lumpy skin disease in cattle, the adviser’s statement underscores the need for enhanced veterinary surveillance, robust vaccination infrastructure, and effective inter-ministerial coordination.

🎓 Call for Academic Integration

In a significant policy signal, Akhter advocated for an integrated approach to animal science and veterinary medicine, combining academic and policy perspectives. These disciplines have traditionally been siloed in South Asian education systems.

“Animal health and production go hand in hand. Integrating these areas will strengthen our livestock sector.”

The move could redefine how livestock professionals are trained, striking a balance between clinical animal care, production economics, sustainable farming, and food system resilience.

🧠 Policy & Regional Implications

The adviser’s speech holds key relevance for India’s dairy and livestock sectors, where:

• Zoonotic risks (e.g., Brucellosis, LSD, Anthrax) remain under-addressed
• Veterinary staffing is inadequate in rural belts
• Livestock productivity losses from poor animal health are chronic

It also echoes NDDB’s recent push in India for:

• Unified livestock health records
• State-level animal health missions
• Vaccination supply chains integrated with milk procurement networks

🎤 Other Dignitaries Present

The program was also attended by:

• Prof. Dr. Md Abdul Latif, VC, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University
• Prof. Dr. Md Belal Hossain, Pro-VC, Dhaka Agricultural University
• Dr. Md Abu Sufian, DG, Department of Livestock Services
• Dr. Shaikha Farzana, DG, Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute (BLRI)
• Prof. Dr. Md Jahangir Alam, Faculty of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine