Kazakhstan restricts livestock imports from Russia over disease concerns

ALMATY. March 19 (Interfax) - Kazakhstan has strengthened veterinary controls and introduced temporary restrictions on the import and transit of livestock and animal products from neighboring Russia due to a worsening disease situation in several Russian regions, the Agriculture Ministry's press service said Thursday.

"The restrictions apply to live animals, animal products, feed and untreated feed additives," it said. Veterinary control posts along the border are operating under heightened measures, including strict cargo inspections and vehicle disinfection.

The measures will remain in place until the disease situation in Russia improves, the ministry said, adding that the situation is under constant monitoring.

The move follows a livestock disease outbreak in Russia's Novosibirsk region, where a state of emergency has been declared. Pasteurellosis has been detected in six localities across five districts of the region, and more than 50 rabies outbreaks have also been recorded.

The head of the Russian Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance (Rosselkhoznadzor), Sergei Dankvert, described the pasteurellosis situation in Novosibirsk as under control but noted insufficient timely action by regional authorities.