Livestock Research Institute (LRI) is the unique institution for vaccine for the animals and birds in government level under the Department of Livestock Services (DLS) and the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock (MOFL) in Bangladesh. At first the institution was established at Comilla district in 1947. At that time, anthrax, Black quarter, Hemorrhagic septicemia and fowl cholera vaccines were produced from comilla. LRI was shifted in Dhaka from comilla in 1955. Now the institution is situated in Mohakhali, Dhaka and occupied 7 acres land. Under this institution has one central disease investigation laboratory (CDIL) in Kazi Alauddin Road, Dhaka and seven field disease investigation laboratories in different districts. This Institute also patronize two Veterinary Training Institute – Alamdanga and Mymensing and two Livestock Training Institute- Sylhet and Gaibandha.
Livestock sub-sector is vital for the economic development of agro-based Bangladesh. The contribution of livestock to National Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is 2.79 percent and which is 17.15 percent in Agricultural share. About 44 percent of the animal protein comes from livestock sources. Moreover, 4.31 percent of the total export is from the exporting of leather and leather goods. The 30 percent of the total tillage is still covered by livestock beside mechanical tillage. Furthermore, 20 percent of the population is directly and 50 percent of the population is partially dependent on livestock sector. The sub-sector enjoyed a growth rate of 5.85 percent during the last fiscal year. Poverty reduction, gender equity and empowerment of women are amongst eight set targets of millennium development goals (MDG). To achieve the goals, Bangladesh government has identified livestock as one of the key player of Poverty Reduction Strategy.
At present 17 vaccines named Foot and mouth disease (FMD) vaccine, Anthrax vaccine, Black Quarter (BQ) vaccine, Hemorrhagic septicemia (HS) vaccine, Rabies vaccine (LEP and HEP), PPR vaccine, Goat pox vaccine, Marek’s disease vaccine, Baby chick ranikhet disease vaccine (BCRDV), Ranikhet disease vaccine (RDV), Fowl pox vaccine, pigeon pox vaccine, Salmonellosis/ Fowl typhoid vaccine, Infectious bursal disease vaccine and fowl cholera vaccine are produced in this institution for the animals and birds. Yearly 240.8 millions dose vaccines produce in this institute and fulfill the vaccine demands of 22.98 millions cattle and 221.4 millions poultry birds.
These vaccines play vital role for the animals and poultry production through controlling the diseases in Bangladesh. This institution is not only produced the vaccines but also investigates the diseases and conducts the basic research. The disease investigation laboratories are playing important role for the primary field diagnosis of bird flu. There are 13 sections with specific work for vaccine production in LRI. Hundred and fifty five scientists are served in the institute.
The government has set strategic targets for meeting protein demand, employment generation, poverty reduction up-scaling export earning and women’s empowerment through the Livestock sub-sector. For this reason the role of LRI is inevitable in this country.