Govt moves to introduce vaccination cards for animals

The International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b) and the Department of Livestock Services (DLS) are working to introduce vaccination cards for animals for the first time in the country, aiming to strengthen animal health systems, safeguard livelihoods, and reduce zoonotic disease risks.

As part of the initiative, a review programme on the development of the animal vaccination card was held today at a Dhaka hotel, jointly organised by icddr,b and DLS, marking World Health Day 2026 under the theme “Together for Health: Stand with Science”.

According to a press release issued by icddr,b, the programme marked the final phase of the “Guidance for Effective Vaccination Management for Livestock, Poultry and Pets in Bangladesh”, developed through consultations with government, Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI), pharmaceutical, and animal health experts.

It would be like the EPI card and there will be a central database with DLS, according to the plan. 

Unlike the country’s successful Expanded Programme on Immunisation 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.

Bangladesh is recognised as a global hotspot for emerging infectious diseases, with nearly 70 percent 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.

The 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.

DLS Director (Admin) Bayzer Rahman said, “Our national vaccination capacity for animals is only around 10 percent. The livestock sector will not reach its full potential without strengthening the vaccination system.”

Bangladesh’s livestock and poultry sector contributes approximately 1.81 percent to GDP and supports millions of livelihoods, with around 20 percent of the population directly involved.

However, vaccination coverage remains low, with only about 20 percent of rural farmers routinely vaccinating their livestock.

Prof Mahmudur Rahman, founder of One Health Bangladesh, 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.”

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.”