Emerging and Re-emerging Poultry Diseases in the Context of
Bangladesh
Introduction
Bangladesh's poultry sector is one of the fastest-growing industries,
significantly contributing to the country's economy and nutrition.
However, the rapid intensification of poultry farming has led to
increased vulnerability to infectious diseases. Emerging diseases are
those newly recognized in a population, while re-emerging diseases are
those previously controlled but now resurge due to changing factors.
These diseases not only impact poultry health and productivity but also
pose significant zoonotic risks.
Epidemiology of Poultry Diseases in Bangladesh
Epidemiology examines the distribution, frequency, and determinants
of diseases in poultry populations.
Major Emerging and Re-emerging Diseases
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI):
Affected Species: Chicken, ducks, and quail.
Epidemiological Features:Seasonal outbreaks, especially in winter
months.
Clustering around high-density poultry farming regions like Dhaka,
Chattogram, and Sylhet.
Economic Impact: Mass culling during outbreaks and trade restrictions.
Newcastle Disease (ND):
Prevalence: Endemic in Bangladesh with regular outbreaks.
Epidemiological Trends:Higher mortality during summer due to heat
stress.
Affects both backyard and commercial poultry farms.
Infectious Bursal Disease (IBD):
Geographic Spread: Nationwide, but higher prevalence in broiler farms.
Age Susceptibility: Young birds (3–6 weeks old) are most affected.
Mycoplasmosis:
Affected Systems: Respiratory and reproductive.
Distribution: Found in both commercial layers and breeders.
Fowl Cholera:
Caused by Pasteurella multocida, prevalent during the rainy season.
Etiology of Poultry Diseases
Causative Agents and Risk Factors:
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza:Virus: H5N1, H7N9.
Risk Factors: Migratory birds, live bird markets, and illegal bird trade.
Newcastle Disease:Virus: Avian paramyxovirus serotype 1.
Risk Factors: Poor vaccination programs and environmental stressors.
Infectious Bursal Disease:Virus: Birnavirus affecting the immune system.
Mycoplasmosis:Bacteria: Mycoplasma gallisepticum and Mycoplasma
synoviae.
Risk Factors: Overcrowded housing and mixed-age farming.
Contributing Factors to Disease Emergence:
Environmental Factors:
Uncontrolled poultry farm expansion.
Climate changes promoting pathogen survival.
Socioeconomic Factors:
Low awareness among farmers.
Limited access to veterinary services.
Trade and Globalization:
Cross-border trade of poultry products.
Lack of quarantine protocols.
Prevention and Control Strategies
Biosecurity Measures:
Farm-Level Practices:Limit farm access to essential personnel only.
Regularly disinfect poultry housing and equipment.
Separate sick birds immediately to prevent disease spread.
Rodent and Pest Control:Prevent rodent and insect access to feed and
housing.
Vaccination Programs:
HPAI: Annual vaccination using updated strains.
ND: Live and inactivated vaccines administered as per schedule.
IBD: Use of intermediate vaccines in endemic areas.
Surveillance and Diagnostics:
National Disease Surveillance System:Strengthen networks to detect
outbreaks early.
Establish a centralized database for disease reporting.
Laboratory Support:Develop regional veterinary diagnostic laboratories.
Conduct molecular diagnostics for emerging strains.
Antimicrobial Stewardship:
Judicious Use of Antibiotics:
Restrict the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics without diagnostics.
Promote alternatives such as probiotics and herbal remedies.
Monitoring Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR):
Regular screening for AMR in poultry farms.
Public awareness campaigns about AMR risks.
Farmer Education and Training:
Workshops and Seminars: Organize regular training on disease
management.
Disease Manuals: Develop easy-to-understand guides on poultry
diseases.
Public Health Significance
Zoonotic Risks:
Diseases like HPAI pose direct risks to human health.
Exposure to live bird markets increases zoonotic transmission chances.
Food Safety:
Contaminated poultry products can spread diseases like salmonella and
campylobacter.
Proper cooking and handling can minimize risks.
Challenges in Disease Management
Lack of Resources:
Limited access to advanced diagnostic tools and vaccines.
Policy and Regulation Issues:
Weak enforcement of biosecurity and vaccination regulations.
Cross-Border Disease Introduction:
Inadequate border control for live bird trade.
Recommendations for Future Action
Strengthening Veterinary Services:
Recruit and train more veterinarians for rural areas.
Improved Policies:
Develop stricter biosecurity and vaccination guidelines.
International Collaboration:
Partner with global organizations like FAO and OIE for technical support.
Conclusion
Emerging and re-emerging poultry diseases remain a critical challenge
in Bangladesh, with economic, social, and public health implications. A
multi-faceted approach combining biosecurity, vaccination, farmer
training, and strong policy frameworks is essential to address these
challenges effectively. Collaboration among stakeholders, including
farmers, veterinarians, researchers, and policymakers, will be key to
sustaining the growth of the poultry sector while safeguarding animal
and public health.
