Livestock Growth in Bangladesh Linked to Increased Zoonotic Disease Risk
Bangladesh is experiencing a significant rise in zoonotic diseases, including anthrax, brucellosis, and avian influenza, directly correlated with a substantial increase in its livestock and poultry population. Data from the IEDCR's Anthrax Surveillance Data Analysis shows a surge in suspected human cutaneous anthrax cases, from 307 in 2020 to 655 in 2023. In 2023, 78 out of 142 tested samples were positive for anthrax. Exposure to goats accounted for 58% of cases, and cattle for 38.2%. The growth in livestock, particularly poultry, which increased by approximately 27% between 2016-17 and 2025-26, has led to more frequent human-animal contact. This increased interaction occurs through crowded farms, live animal markets, and transport and slaughter systems, creating fertile ground for pathogens to jump from animals to humans. Intensive farming practices are cited as a key factor in the emergence of these diseases.
