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COVID-19

Economic Losses in Commercial Chicken Farms During COVID-19 Pandemic in Bangladesh

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Research conducted by the Institute of Epidemiology has estimated the total economic losses in commercial chicken farms during the COVID-19 pandemic in Bangladesh, which amounts to 98.5 million USD. The study, which interviewed 220 commercial poultry farmers, found that the majority (90%) of farmers experienced losses during the pandemic period. The farmers encountered numerous challenges, including transportation restrictions, widespread rumors, and reduced egg and live bird prices, which resulted in significant losses.

Key Takeaways:

  • The total economic losses in commercial chicken farms during the COVID-19 pandemic in Bangladesh were estimated to be 98.5 million USD.
  • The majority (90%) of farmers experienced losses during the pandemic period, with 83.54% of broiler and 80.65% of layer farmers affected.
  • The study found that the average economic loss per commercial farm was $1407.6, with the model predicting an average loss of $1407.6 per farm.
  • The pandemic resulted in farmers having to change their trading patterns or supply chains, with approximately half of the Sonali farmers (54.10%) adapting to these changes.
  • After the pandemic period, about 33.33% of broilers, 31.03% of layer, and 45.90% of Sonali farmers managed to recover their losses.
  • The study highlighted the importance of government support for poultry farmers, with the authors suggesting that price monitoring, trainings, low-interest loans, and government incentives are essential measures to safeguard the economic interests of farmers during future pandemic crises.
  • The study also emphasized the need for the inclusion of farmers' representatives in pandemic preparedness teams and the formation of farmer's associations to support the economic interests of farmers.

Statistics:

  • The total economic losses in commercial chicken farms during the COVID-19 pandemic in Bangladesh were estimated at 98.5 million USD.
  • The majority (90%) of farmers experienced losses during the pandemic period.
  • The average economic loss per commercial farm was $1407.6.
  • 83.54% of broiler and 80.65% of layer farmers experienced losses during the pandemic period.
  • About 33.33% of broilers, 31.03% of layer, and 45.90% of Sonali farmers managed to recover their losses after the pandemic period.

Sources:

  • Estimating Economic Losses in Commercial Chicken Farms During COVID-19 Pandemic in Bangladesh: Lessons Learned for Future Pandemic. Transboundary and Emerging Diseases, 2025;2025(1):4935897.
  • Institute of Epidemiology, Zoonotic Disease Research Program, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR), Mohakhali, Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh.
  • A. K. M. Dawlat Khan, Zoonotic Disease Research Program, Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR), Mohakhali, Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh.
  • Transboundary and Emerging Diseases can be contacted at: Wiley, 111 River St, Hoboken 07030-5774, NJ, USA. (Wiley-Blackwell - www.wiley.com/; Transboundary and Emerging Diseases - onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10.1111/(ISSN)1865-1682)

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