Floods triggered by days of heavy rain and landslides have caused extensive damage to the livestock sector across five districts in Chittagong division, affecting nearly 3 million poultry and more than 400,000 livestock, with total losses exceeding Tk100 crore, according to the Divisional Livestock Department.
The disaster affected 41 upazilas and 183 unions in Chittagong, Cox's Bazar, Bandarban, Rangamati and Khagrachari.
Divisional Livestock Director Dr Md Atiyar Rahman said the affected areas include 15 upazilas and 108 unions in Chittagong, eight upazilas and 31 unions in Cox's Bazar, seven upazilas and 24 unions in Bandarban, two upazilas and 10 unions in Rangamati, and nine upazilas and 10 unions in Khagrachari.
According to the department, 408,535 livestock have been affected, including 226,873 cattle, 4,620 buffaloes, 146,042 goats and 30,000 sheep.
The floods also affected 2,791,657 chickens and 59,475 ducks.
A total of 60 cattle, 115 goats, 44 sheep, 153,474 chickens and 2,031 ducks have died, while around 10,049 acres of grazing land have been inundated, creating an acute shortage of animal feed.
The department said 4,550 livestock farms and 34,357 poultry farms sustained damage, with significant losses to infrastructure, feed, production and livestock.
The disaster also destroyed around 612 tons of grain feed, 14,190 tons of hay and 8,578 tons of grass.
The combined losses from livestock deaths, damaged farm infrastructure and destroyed feed are estimated at more than Tk100 crore.
Following the floods, the Livestock Department launched emergency response activities. So far, 9,321 livestock and 12,427 poultry have been vaccinated, while 7,775 livestock and 73,026 poultry have received treatment.
Disease prevention measures, carcass disposal, disinfection, veterinary services and technical support for farmers are continuing in the affected areas.
Five districts in Chittagong division were inundated after six days of heavy rain and landslides beginning on July 5. More than 800,000 people were stranded, while over 50 people lost their lives.