For the first time, 16 students of the Faculty of Veterinary Science at Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) are giving veterinary treatment at sacrificial animal markets in Dhaka ahead of Eid-ul-Azha.

They took up the initiative to ensure healthy animals are sold and to maintain the quality of service. The service began on Tuesday (3 June) and will continue until Thursday (5 June).

First aid is being given at 13 sacrificial markets set up under Dhaka South City Corporation and eight under Dhaka North City Corporation. The 16 students, in four teams, are providing veterinary medical services on the initiative of Dr Md Mahbub Alam, professor in the faculty's Department of Medicine and convener of Animal Saviours of Bangladesh.

Professor Dr Mahbub Alam said: "This is the first time 16 students of our university are serving in veterinary medical teams. We will work so that more students can join this programme in future."

Dr Md Abu Hasan Lovelu, veterinary surgeon of Team 9 deployed in Dhaka North City Corporation, said veterinary medical teams had been formed with experienced veterinarians and university intern students. The teams are giving free medicine, care and advice for cattle, goats, sheep, buffaloes and other animals at the markets, and the work will continue for three days. Across the country, veterinary medical teams from upazila livestock offices and veterinary hospitals are also providing health care for animals at local sacrificial markets, he said.

RS Mahmud Hasan, one of the students treating animals at a market, said: "It feels very good to be able to treat sacrificial animals at the market. Sellers and buyers are also satisfied with our service. It is truly a wonderful opportunity for us to fulfil our responsibility to society."

According to the Department of Livestock Services (DLS), 3,600 markets have been set up across the country for this Eid, where a total of 2,000 mobile veterinary teams will be on duty.

Source: Jagonews24. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.