Local residents express dissatisfaction with the insufficient attention from the authorities to this problem.
Aibek Jumaliev, a resident of the village of Kalinin in the At-Bashinsky district, shared:
“This time we are dealing with an extremely severe form of foot-and-mouth disease. Previously, the disease only affected the mouths of cows, but now the udders and hooves are suffering — the animals are unable to move normally, their condition is critical.
Farmers are confused, not knowing how to act. The disease is progressing every day, and if no measures are taken, the situation will worsen even more. Foot-and-mouth disease has already begun to spread to sheep.
In my case, five cows and five calves have fallen ill. My brother has ten cows and also calves that are sick. According to surveys from neighboring villages, the situation is similar everywhere — up to 80% of livestock is already suffering.”
Ulanbek Sokeev, another resident of the At-Bashinsky district, added:
“Cows, sheep, and even young lambs are affected by the disease. The injections being administered are not yielding results. People are losing livestock and incurring losses, and pastures are becoming contaminated. It is necessary to systematically carry out work on the burning and disposal of dead livestock.
It is important to find out why the medications in veterinary pharmacies are ineffective. It seems that there is no control over the sources and methods of delivering these drugs to Kyrgyzstan.
If the meat of emaciated livestock or animals that have died is sent for processing, what then? Will this not lead to diseases among people? I am not sure anyone is thinking about this. The disease in livestock can significantly harm human health.”
For additional information, we contacted the Naryn Regional Veterinary Administration. In response to our inquiry, they reported:
“Cases of livestock disease are being recorded in different localities. Our specialists are conducting the necessary measures. Currently, the A. Duyshiev Scientific Institute is carrying out laboratory tests to clarify the diagnosis.”
The deputy akim of the At-Bashinsky district for agriculture, Kenzhebek Kachkynbaev, explained:
“Foot-and-mouth disease is currently being registered throughout the republic, including Central Asian countries. The disease began to enter our district last week. This is a new strain of foot-and-mouth disease that spreads faster than the previous one. The vaccine for cows has not yet been introduced.
Based on our experience, the disease is treatable. With timely use of penicillin, bicillin, and special sprays, quick recovery can be achieved.
Previously, cases of the disease were recorded in Chui and other regions. The spread is also observed in the Naryn region, but there are recovering animals as well. If a vaccine arrives soon, we will cover all livestock, and the situation will stabilize.”
