Community-Based Surveillance Enables One Health Response to Foot and Mouth Disease Outbreak in Rajshahi, Bangladesh – 2023

Author(s): Md Shahonays Rashid, Immamul Muntasir, Md Omar Qayum

Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) is a highly contagious viral illness affecting cloven-hoofed animals and causing significant economic losses in Bangladesh. In November 2023, an FMD outbreak in Rajshahi City Corporation was identified through Community-Based Surveillance (CBS). This report documents the One Health response triggered by this CBS alert. Field records from CBS and were used to describe the outbreak response. The investigation included: (1) outbreak detection and laboratory verification; (2) risk communication and community engagement; (3) an emergency two-phase vaccination campaign; and (4) data recording and monitoring. A joint team involving Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR), Bangladesh Red Crescent Society (BDRCS), the Department of Livestock Services (DLS), and Rajshahi health authorities led the intervention. Early detection by a community volunteer on 10 November 2023 led to rapid confirmation of FMD by the Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute (BLRI). Risk communication was promptly launched, using culturally adapted materials and interpersonal messaging to promote awareness, safe practices, and trust. The emergency vaccination campaign reached 217 cattle across two phases (December 2023 and February 2025) and achieved full coverage of identified at-risk animals with no adverse events reported. Data recording was maintained throughout, enabling effective monitoring and follow-up. Farmers reported increased acceptance of vaccination and adoption of safer livestock-handling practices. This outbreak highlights how CBS, integrated with a One Health framework, can enable timely detection and coordinated response to zoonotic disease threats. Strengthening CBS, risk communication, and cross-sectoral partnerships is essential for enhancing epidemic preparedness in endemic settings.