Heifer International and RU partner on breakthrough poultry vaccine project
The University of Rajshahi's Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, in collaboration with Heifer International Bangladesh, held a seminar today on improving village chicken production through sustainable Newcastle Disease control.
The programme introduced a thermostable Newcastle disease vaccine that has performed well in trials. This innovation is expected to reduce poultry mortality, increase rural incomes, and strengthen Bangladesh's poultry sector.
Professor Dr Moizur Rahman, chairman of the department, chaired the event. Professor Dr. Saleh Hasan Naqib, vice-chancellor of RU, attended as the chief guest. Nurun Nahar, country director of Heifer International Bangladesh, joined as a special guest. Also present was Professor Dr. K. M. Mozaffor Hossain, dean of the faculty. Project director Soshe Ahmed delivered the keynote, focusing on the new vaccine.
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Nurun Nahar said: "We are ready for long-term partnerships with government and private sectors to support farmers, ensure food safety, and empower women in agriculture."
Soshe Ahmed noted that if rolled out nationwide, the vaccine could boost native chicken production by 80%. Vice-Chancellor Naqib added, "The vaccine is ready. Testing shows success. Now we must educate smallholder farmers, as they will be the ultimate users."
The three-year project aims to introduce the vaccine to 5,000 households in 95 villages, directly increasing poultry production, improving food security, and raising incomes for rural families. By reducing poultry mortality, the project will help farming communities become more self-reliant and resilient. Supported by Heifer International, Kyeema Foundation, and the Australian National University, and implemented by several local organisations, the initiative contributes to empowering families, supporting food security, and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals.
More than 200 participants attended, including 22 native chicken entrepreneurs who learned about the vaccine.
