Fisheries, Livestock, and Agriculture Minister Mohammed Amin Ur Rashid on Friday said Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) inflicts severe financial losses on cattle farmers, and the domestically developed viral vaccine against the disease will play a crucial role in safeguarding livestock across the country.

He said that the commercial rollout of locally produced vaccines will bring down costs for farmers, increase market availability, and enhance the overall sustainability of the livestock sector.

The minister was speaking as the chief guest at the launch of a vaccination campaign for BLRI-developed Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) and Goat Pox vaccines, organised by the Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute (BLRI) at the Raichu Eidgah Field in Adarsha Sadar upazila, Cumilla.

Underscoring the demand for livestock protection, the minister revealed that Bangladesh requires around 25 million doses of the LSD vaccine annually. While the country previously relied on imports, domestic vaccine development initiatives have now been successfully set in motion.

Addressing farmers, he stressed that routine vaccination is vital to maintaining healthy herds and urged them to adhere to strict vaccination schedules, warning that an outbreak on one farm can quickly devastate neighbouring holdings.

To lower livestock feeding expenses, Rashid advocated for the cultivation of a newly developed high-protein grass variety. Innovated by BLRI, the grass contains approximately 18% protein, allowing farmers to produce nutrient-rich fodder at a lower cost while decreasing their dependence on commercial concentrated feed.

He also announced a new government initiative aimed at conserving and expanding the traditional Black Bengal goat breed. Under this programme, union-level entrepreneurs will receive training, high-quality breeding stock, and marketing assistance, with priority given to women and youth.

Describing the Black Bengal goat as a prime national asset, the minister highlighted the strong international demand for its meat and leather, adding that planned expansion and scientific management could significantly strengthen the rural economy, generate employment, and boost export earnings.

Chaired by BLRI Director General Dr Shakila Faruq, the inauguration event was addressed by Department of Livestock Services (DLS) Director General Md Shahzaman Khan as special guest.

Senior officials from DLS and BLRI, local political leaders, and a large number of livestock farmers attended the programme.

Under the campaign, supported by the Department of Livestock Services, the administration of 2,000 doses of the LSD vaccine and 100 doses of the Goat Pox vaccine was formally initiated in the upazila.