Buryatia Tightens Livestock Checks Over Disease Outbreak

Authorities in Russia’s Republic of Buryatia have increased livestock disease controls following an outbreak reported in neighbouring Irkutsk region.

Governor Alexey Tsydenov said the region has moved to a heightened state of readiness over the reported outbreak of lumpy skin disease among cattle.

Veterinary checkpoints are operating around the clock along Buryatia’s borders with Irkutsk and Zabaykalsky regions. Veterinary officials, Rosselkhoznadzor and police are checking vehicles to prevent the disease from entering through livestock, meat or animal feed.

Residents have been warned not to hide sick animals or move and sell livestock without official approval.

The situation in Irkutsk has also raised concerns among residents, who say quarantine measures were introduced on September 6 without test results being shown publicly.

Officials said the outbreak was linked to the illegal movement of sheep and goats and that more than 100 infected animals would be culled.

However, veterinary epidemiologist Svetlana Shchepetkina said lumpy skin disease affects cattle and questioned the decision to cull other species. She also suggested the outbreak could instead involve foot-and-mouth disease.

Reports say several cattle and pigs have already been culled, while farmers are demanding higher compensation for their animals.