In a groundbreaking scientific achievement, Professor Dr. Md Alimul Islam and his research team at Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) have identified two high-risk serotypes—8b and 11—of the fowl adenovirus responsible for inclusion body hepatitis (IBH) in broiler chickens in Bangladesh. This marks the first time these virulent strains have been confirmed in the country’s poultry sector.
IBH is a rapidly spreading viral disease that severely affects young broilers, leading to stunted growth, weakness, diarrhea, and high mortality within four weeks of infection. The virus spreads both vertically (from parent birds via eggs) and horizontally (bird to bird), causing extensive economic damage to the poultry industry.
Using advanced techniques including PCR, RT-PCR, and avian embryo-based virus isolation, Dr. Alimul’s team successfully isolated the virus and developed Bangladesh’s first experimental vaccine for IBH. Administered in two doses, the vaccine provided complete protection in field trials, with vaccinated chickens showing strong immunity and no infection during a one-year monitoring period.
The vaccine is highly cost-effective—producing around 21 doses from a single egg—and is better suited for local virus strains, offering superior antibody responses compared to costly imported options.
“This locally developed vaccine could be a game-changer for small-scale farmers,” said Dr. Alimul. “It ensures better antigenic compatibility and accessibility, reducing poultry mortality and boosting productivity.”
While IBH poses no threat to human health, Dr. Alimul emphasized proper cooking of poultry products and discarding infected livers and hearts. He also stressed the importance of using chicks from vaccinated parent flocks to ensure early protection.
The research, supported by BAS-USDA and published in Frontiers in Microbiology, is now preparing for a third vaccine trial. Dr. Alimul is calling for public-private partnership (PPP) support to move toward commercial production.
“If scaled nationally, this vaccine can transform Bangladesh’s poultry industry, safeguard food security, and create new jobs,” he added.
