Forensic Detection of Sex- Manipulation Fraud and Associated Unethical Practices in Laboratory Rabbit Research in Bangladesh

Authors

  • Md. Matiur Rahman Department of Medicine, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet 3100, Bangladesh Author
  • Munira Parvin Mukta Govt. College of Applied Human Science, University of Dhaka, Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh Author
  • Tanvir Ahmed Faculty of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Sylhet Agricultural University 3100, Bangladesh Author
  • Raf Ana Rabbi Shawon Laboratory of Wildlife Resources, Gifu University, Gifu 501-1193, Japan Author
  • Tapan Kanti Paul Department of Livestock Services, Dhaka 1215, Bangladesh Author
  • Md. Masud Parvej Department of Anatomy and Histology, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet 3100, Bangladesh Author
  • Ratul Zaman Department of Genetics and Animal Breeding, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet 3100, Bangladesh Author
  • Md. Julkar Nayeen Department of Surgery and Theriogenology, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet 3100, Bangladesh Author
  • Estiaqe Ahmed North East Medical College Hospital, Sylhet 3100, Bangladesh Author
  • Abdullah Al Sad Department of Surgery and Theriogenology, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet 3100, Bangladesh Author
  • Md. Mahfuzul Haque Department of Surgery and Theriogenology, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet 3100, Bangladesh Author
  • Md Mahbubur Rahman St. Francis College, New York 11201, USA Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.69937/pf.por.3.3.88

Keywords:

Forensic, Lab Animal, Misrepresentation, Rabbit, Sexual Alteration

Abstract

The global rabbit market has expanded substantially due to their increasing use as laboratory animals, breeding stock, meat and fur production, genetic improvement programs, and as companion animals. However, this growth has been accompanied by increasing reports of fraudulent trading practices, particularly sexual adulteration, in poorly regulated markets. To date, no comprehensive study has systematically investigated sexual adulteration fraud in rabbits traded in Bangladesh. This study aimed to explore the sexual adulteration fraud in rabbits traded in Sylhet, Bangladesh. A total of 20 rabbits marketed as males (n=10) and females (n=10) were randomly collected from market of Sylhet. All rabbits underwent systematic physical examination followed by open laparotomy under expert veterinary supervision to confirm reproductive anatomy. The results revealed that among the 10 rabbits sold as females, three (30%) were phenotypically male on external examination, while seven (70%) showed scrotal scarring indicative of prior surgical intervention. Forensic exploration confirmed the complete absence of female reproductive organs in all suspected cases. Overall, seven of 20 rabbits (35%) were confirmed as cases of intentional sexual adulteration, while three of 20 rabbits (15%) were misclassified due to improper sex identification rather than deliberate fraud. The current results revealed a substantial prevalence of sexual adulteration and sex misrepresentation in the Sylhet rabbit market, posing serious risks to laboratory animal welfare, breeding efficiency, research reliability, and economic trust. Moreover, the study suggests the urgent need for routine market monitoring, mandatory registration and licensing of rabbit traders, targeted training on rabbit sex identification for buyers and sellers, and strict enforcement of animal welfare and livestock trade regulations. Additionally, the study indicates the necessary of coordinated institutional action to prevent unethical practices and to ensure the sustainable and ethical development of Bangladesh’s rabbit industry.

Author Biographies

  • Md. Matiur Rahman, Department of Medicine, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet 3100, Bangladesh

    Department of Medicine, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet 3100, Bangladesh

  • Munira Parvin Mukta, Govt. College of Applied Human Science, University of Dhaka, Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh

    Govt. College of Applied Human Science, University of Dhaka, Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh

  • Tanvir Ahmed, Faculty of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Sylhet Agricultural University 3100, Bangladesh

    Faculty of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Sylhet Agricultural University 3100, Bangladesh

  • Raf Ana Rabbi Shawon, Laboratory of Wildlife Resources, Gifu University, Gifu 501-1193, Japan

    Laboratory of Wildlife Resources, Gifu University, Gifu 501-1193, Japan

  • Tapan Kanti Paul , Department of Livestock Services, Dhaka 1215, Bangladesh

    Department of Livestock Services, Dhaka 1215, Bangladesh

  • Md. Masud Parvej , Department of Anatomy and Histology, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet 3100, Bangladesh

    Department of Anatomy and Histology, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet 3100, Bangladesh

  • Ratul Zaman , Department of Genetics and Animal Breeding, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet 3100, Bangladesh

    Department of Genetics and Animal Breeding, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet 3100, Bangladesh

  • Md. Julkar Nayeen, Department of Surgery and Theriogenology, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet 3100, Bangladesh

    Department of Surgery and Theriogenology, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet 3100, Bangladesh

  • Estiaqe Ahmed , North East Medical College Hospital, Sylhet 3100, Bangladesh

    North East Medical College Hospital, Sylhet 3100, Bangladesh

  • Abdullah Al Sad, Department of Surgery and Theriogenology, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet 3100, Bangladesh

    Department of Surgery and Theriogenology, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet 3100, Bangladesh

  • Md. Mahfuzul Haque, Department of Surgery and Theriogenology, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet 3100, Bangladesh

    Department of Surgery and Theriogenology, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet 3100, Bangladesh

  • Md Mahbubur Rahman , St. Francis College, New York 11201, USA

    St. Francis College, New York 11201, USA

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Published

2025-12-19

Issue

Vol. 3 No. 3 (2025): December 2025 Issue

Section

Articles