Mind the gap: An assessment of scope for collaboration between public and private veterinary services for effective disease management in Bangladesh’s poultry sector

Abstract

Summary Bangladesh's poultry sector is crucial for national protein and micronutrient requirements and employment opportunities. Despite the positive contribution of the sector, its growth also increases demand for veterinary support and disease management, while both the public and private sectors have a significant role in this sector. Farmers and veterinarians are closely connected to both public and private poultry companies. No research has been conducted in Bangladesh to investigate gaps in veterinary care or explore collaboration between public and private veterinarians. This qualitative study, therefore, aimed to identify gaps between private and public veterinarian services in the poultry industry and identify potential obstacles in establishing public-private partnerships. Data was collected from June 2021 to July 2023 through semi-structured interviews with 62 veterinarians from Bangladesh transcribed in Microsoft Word 10 and analysed using MAXQDA software. The study's methodology involved thematic analysis—developing and refining codes using deductive and inductive analytical methods. The findings were organised into three major themes: differences in veterinary provision between public and private companies, the benefits and shortcomings of non-veterinary service provision for farmers, and the opportunities for public-private partnerships in the sector. The study reveals that the affiliation of veterinarians from specific companies leads to disparities in veterinary service for poultry farmers. Veterinarians from both public and private sectors face difficulties such as staff shortages, excessive workloads, lack of recognition, and regulatory bodies. Communication breakdowns between public and private veterinarians also contribute to dissatisfaction. Dissatisfaction is expressed due to different service purposes, lack of skills, and lack of freedom. The study suggests that public-private partnerships are suitable for improving veterinary provision, data sharing, surveillance activities, laboratory facilities, and veterinary medicine and vaccine supply. The study emphasises the need for a common association between veterinarians from both sectors to advance the industry. The findings will serve as a foundation for initiating public-private partnership that benefits the country and its marginal farmers financially.