26.04.2026, 23:55
Kazakhstan introduces restrictions on the movement of livestock between regions
The restrictions were introduced as part of measures to ensure veterinary safety
The Ministry of Agriculture of Kazakhstan has denied reports circulating in the professional community about the spread of foot-and-mouth disease among agricultural animals and saiga antelopes. At the same time, preventive measures have been strengthened in the country, including restrictions on the movement of animals. This was reported by the ministry’s press service.
Earlier, outbreaks of rabies and pasteurellosis were reported in several regions of Russia, while cases of foot-and-mouth disease were registered in China. In order to prevent a deterioration of the epizootic situation in Kazakhstan, veterinary control at the borders has been strengthened. In particular, a full ban has been imposed on the import of livestock products from Russia, including feed.
According to the ministry, the Committee for Veterinary Control and Supervision of the Ministry of Agriculture introduced phased restrictions on regions of the Russian Federation from January 13 to February 24, up to a complete ban on the import and transit of live animals and animal products. Similar measures had previously been applied to several countries, including China, Azerbaijan, and Kyrgyzstan.
Currently, Kazakhstan is conducting vaccination of agricultural animals against foot-and-mouth disease using vaccines containing актуальные strains. The vaccines are produced by the QazBioPharm holding and the Federal State Budgetary Institution “VNIIZh.” At the same time, restrictions on the movement of livestock between regions within the country have been introduced.
Research on biological samples taken from sick saiga antelopes is also ongoing. According to the ministry, the population in the West Kazakhstan region exceeds 1 million heads. From April 17 to 19, selective clinical examinations of saigas were carried out in the Kaztalovsky, Zhanibeksky, and Bokeyordinsky districts.
During the examination, some animals showed signs of depression, and a high level of ectoparasitic infestation was detected, including multiple ixodid ticks. However, no pathological changes characteristic of foot-and-mouth disease were identified. The collected samples have been sent to the laboratory for further analysis.
Dead animals are being disposed of by subordinate units of the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources in cooperation with the akimat of the West Kazakhstan region.
The Ministry of Agriculture emphasized that no cases of foot-and-mouth disease among agricultural animals have been recorded in Kazakhstan to date. The epizootic situation remains under control of the veterinary services.
