The Ministry of Agriculture of Kazakhstan has announced the introduction of temporary restrictions on the import and transit of live animals and livestock products from the Russian Federation. This decision is justified by the need to protect the country from the potential introduction of infectious diseases, considering the worsening epizootic situation in Russia.
The ban applies not only to agricultural animals but also to raw materials, feeds, and feed additives that have not undergone mandatory thermal treatment. The agency emphasizes that these measures are standard precautionary measures and will remain in effect until full stabilization of the veterinary situation in Russian regions is achieved.
A key factor influencing the adoption of such strict measures has been the severe situation in the Novosibirsk region, where a state of emergency has been declared due to mass livestock deaths. According to available data, outbreaks of pasteurellosis have been recorded in six localities in this region, as well as more than 50 active rabies hotspots.
In light of the above, veterinary supervision in the border areas of Kazakhstan has been significantly strengthened. Relevant services have reported mandatory disinfection of vehicles and thorough control of all cargo crossing the border. Sergey Dankvert, head of the Rosselkhoznadzor, commenting on the current situation, noted issues with the promptness of local authorities' actions in certain regions, although he characterized the situation with pasteurellosis as controlled.
Kazakh authorities continue to monitor the situation in real-time and are ready to make adjustments to the restrictions depending on the successes of their Russian counterparts in combating disease outbreaks.
