DISEASES contracted from birds and animals have become a serious threat to humans all over the world and Bangladesh is no exception. A seminar held by Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon (Bapa) has warned of more diseases like bird flu and anthrax afflicting the populace unless strong, effective measures are taken to treat animals and birds found to be carriers of viruses.

The way things are at present, there are is hardly any government monitoring of such treatment which makes it difficult to contain diseases once animals or birds get infected. The absence of proper surveillance in food markets is another concern as infected poultry and meat could enter the bazaars undetected.

The use of hormones to fatten cows and contaminated feed for poultry can cause major health hazards; this has to be addressed by the relevant bodies. 

Despite citizens' bodies voicing these concerns from time to time, very little has been done to address the problem of food contamination. The Ministry of Health must devise a sustainable mechanism to make sure that animals and poultry meant for human consumption are routinely given medical checkups, vaccinated properly and administered with proper treatment if they are infected, before they reach the markets. Public awareness campaigns should also be conducted to educate people on how to protect themselves from these diseases which are spread through animal/bird to human contact.