Rajshahi: A total of 440 cattle, buffaloes, goats, and sheep were vaccinated at a day-long free vaccination and professional training camp held in Paba upazila of the district today to protect livestock from contagious diseases and safeguard farmers' livelihoods. Bangladesh Livestock Society (BLS) and BRAC AI Enterprise jointly organised the programme at Harupur Academy ground.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, BLS President Professor Jalal Uddin Sardar, General Secretary Hemayetul Islam Arif, Rotary Club of Rajshahi Central Advisor Saidur Rahman, Veterinary Surgeon Dr. Sakib Ahmed, and Harupur Academy President Abdul Aziz attended the programme. Of the 440 animals vaccinated, 200 buffaloes and 160 cows received vaccines against Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) and Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD), while 80 goats and sheep were also vaccinated.
The initiative was aimed at preventing the spread of highly contagious livestock diseases that pose a threat to the agricultural economy and farmers' income. As part of the programme, 37 field workers of BRAC AISP also received practical training on livestock vaccination. Professor Jalal Uddin Sardar and Hemayetul Islam Arif conducted the training, demonstrating proper vaccination techniques to ensure safe and effective field-level vaccination.
Harupur Academy President Abdul Aziz said more than 20,000 cows, buffaloes, goats, and sheep are reared in the Harupur area, but government support for livestock farmers remains limited. As a result, many animals die every year from preventable diseases, causing significant financial losses to farmers, he said. "Our farmers depend on livestock for their livelihoods. Without proper vaccination, we lose not only animals but also our economic stability," he said, adding that such vaccination initiatives should be organised more regularly.
The organisers said similar programmes would help raise awareness among farmers and strengthen preventive measures against livestock diseases in the region.