On 31 July, 2025, the Postgraduate Laboratory in the Department of Pathology at Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University earned a perfect score in the 2024 International Proficiency Test for diagnosing Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR).

This test, organised by the Animal Production and Health Laboratory of the Joint FAO/IAEA Division in Vienna, Austria, highlights a landmark moment as it is the first instance of a laboratory from a Bangladeshi university participating in such an esteemed evaluation. This accomplishment in diagnosing the harmful disease that impacts sheep and goats represents a major step forward in the country’s animal health research.

Dr. Amina Khatun, Assistant Professor at the university, spearheaded the PPR diagnosis initiative, receiving financial backing from the FAO/WFF PPR Secretariat. The research received additional oversight from Dr. Md. Rafiqul Islam at BARC.

Over the past three years, under Dr. Khatun’s guidance, six students—Md. Zisan Ahmed, Md. Imran Hossain, Tasmia Tarin, Basanta Saud, Maisa Maliha Kona, and Prajwol Bhandari—were awarded grants to carry out research for this initiative. Consequently, the Department of Pathology has fortified its capabilities in molecular diagnostics and advanced research.

Lead researcher Dr. Amina Khatun stated, “This international recognition is the result of our research team’s relentless efforts. We are working towards controlling and eradicating PPR from Bangladesh by 2030 in accordance with WOAH (World Organisation for Animal Health) guidelines.”

The Vice-Chancellor of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Professor Dr. Md. Abdul Latif, along with Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Md. Belal Hossain, Treasurer Professor Muhammad Abul Bashar, Dean of Postgraduate Studies Professor Dr. Md. Salauddin Mahmud Chowdhury, and Dean of the Faculty of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine Professor Dr. Md. Jahangir Alam, all expressed pride in this accomplishment and are eager to further enhance international collaborations in the future.