Sixteen students from the Faculty of Veterinary Science at Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) are, for the first time, providing on-site veterinary services at sacrificial cattle markets in Dhaka ahead of Eid-ul-Azha.
The initiative aims to promote safe animal trading and reduce health risks during the festival.
Supervised by Professor Dr Md. Mahbub Alam from BAU’s Department of Medicine and convener of ‘Animal Saviors of Bangladesh,’ four veterinary medical teams have been deployed to 21 cattle markets-13 under Dhaka South City Corporation and 8 under Dhaka North City Corporation. The services will continue through Thursday (June 5).
“This is the first time 16 of our students are participating in field-level veterinary work. We plan to involve more students in the coming years,” said Dr. Mahbub Alam.
Dr. Md. Abu Hasan Lavlu, veterinary surgeon of Team 9 in DNCC, said the initiative is being conducted under the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, with support from the Department of Livestock Services (DLS). Each mobile team comprises experienced veterinarians and intern students, offering free health checkups, medicines, and expert advice for cattle, goats, sheep, and buffaloes.Outside Dhaka, veterinary teams from upazila livestock offices and hospitals are also providing similar services at local cattle markets across the country.
According to the DLS, approximately 3,600 temporary cattle markets will be set up nationwide this Eid. A total of 2,000 mobile veterinary teams will be deployed to ensure animal health and welfare at these sites.
An orientation session for officials, staff, and intern veterinarians was held on June 3 at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB) in Farmgate. Farida Akhter, Advisor to the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, attended the event as chief guest.
AR/HKJ
