Social and environmental impact of bird flu on poultry industries in Bangladesh

Poultry industry in Bangladesh, as an emerging sub-sector of livestock, is playing a pivotal role in her economic development by providing significant employment opportunities to different sections of people. About five million people of Bangladesh are engaged in poultry farming. Outbreak of bird flu may bring a devastating impact in poultry industries in Bangladesh. The present study reviewed poultry industries in Bangladesh. It is observed that poultry is one of the potential sectors in Bangladesh. Historical perspective of bird flu and international experiences about bird flu indicate that it is a great threat for the whole world. Bird flu can easily spread by both migratory and domesticated bird. People are infected by direct or close contact with infected poultry or bird. Bangladesh is under severe risk in their respect. The spatial distribution of bird flu in Bangladesh indicates a nation wide problem. It is difficult to get the exact loss in poultry industry by bird flu but the economic losses are approximately TK 4,500 crore. The bird flu situation remains serious and the country wi II have to engage in a long-term strategic approach against it.