Experts propose first-ever vaccination cards for animals in Bangladesh

Experts have proposed introducing vaccination cards for animals for the first time in Bangladesh to strengthen animal health systems, safeguard livelihoods, and reduce zoonotic disease risks.

The animal vaccination card development review programme was jointly organised by icddr,b and the Department of Livestock Services (DLS) at Hotel Bengal Blueberry, Dhaka, marking World Health Day 2026 under the theme “Together for Health: Stand with Science”. It was the final phase of the “Guidance for Effective Vaccination Management for Livestock, Poultry and Pets in Bangladesh”, developed through consultations with government, EPI, pharmaceutical, and animal health experts.

Dr Md Bayzer Rahman, director (Admin), Department of Livestock Services, said, “Our national vaccination capacity for animals is only around 10%. The livestock sector will not reach its full potential without strengthening the vaccination system.”

Bangladesh’s livestock and poultry sector contributes approximately 1.81% to GDP and supports millions of livelihoods, with around 20% of the population directly involved. However, vaccination coverage remains low, with only about 20% of rural farmers routinely vaccinating their livestock.

Unlike the country’s successful Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) for humans, Bangladesh lacks a coordinated national system for animal vaccination. Challenges such as low awareness, concerns about vaccine side effects, weak cold chain management, inconsistent supply, and shortages of trained veterinary personnel continue to hinder coverage.

Dr Mahmudur Rahman, founder of One Health, said, “Recent outbreaks such as measles and avian influenza demonstrate how gaps in vaccination can put both human and animal health at risk. Vaccinating animals protects not only animal health but also the environment, food security, and public health. Strengthening surveillance systems is essential to monitor vaccine effectiveness and respond to emerging threats.”

Bangladesh is recognised as a global hotspot for emerging infectious diseases, with nearly 70% being zoonotic. High population density, frequent human–animal interactions, live animal markets, and rapid urbanisation increase transmission risks, while recurring outbreaks of anthrax, rabies, and avian influenza highlight ongoing vulnerabilities.

Weak animal vaccination, identification and record-keeping systems, along with the absence of a centralised database, further limit effective monitoring and outbreak response.

To address these challenges, icddr,b, in collaboration with DLS, has developed a structured vaccination framework introducing vaccination cards for livestock, poultry, and companion animals. The cards will record identification, vaccination history, and schedules, enabling better tracking and coordination of services.

This approach aims to improve coverage, strengthen surveillance, and support more effective outbreak response. It can reduce livestock mortality, lower treatment costs, increase productivity, and contribute to safer food systems.

Dr Sukanta Chowdhury, scientist and team lead of the One Health Research Unit (OHRU) at icddr,b, said, “This initiative introduces guidance and vaccination cards to help farmers track vaccinations, improve coverage, and strengthen disease prevention. It will reduce animal mortality and enhance the value of livestock, ultimately benefiting both farmers and consumers.”

Participants reviewed the proposed framework, which includes standardised vaccination schedules, improved reporting and coordination, and integration of animal and human health systems under a One Health approach.

Participants emphasised that strengthening vaccination systems will reduce disease burden and economic losses, improve farmer incomes, enhance food safety, reduce zoonotic disease transmission, and support efforts to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

The roundtable concluded with a shared commitment to advancing a coordinated, evidence-based animal vaccination system as part of Bangladesh’s broader One Health efforts.