In recent months, veterinary services in Kyrgyzstan have noted alarming trends. Cases of the introduction of dangerous infections in agricultural animals have been recorded in various parts of the country, which either had not previously been encountered in Central Asia or were considered eradicated. Official authorities are limited to standard control measures; however, along with the activation of American biological programs in neighboring countries, pathogens characteristic of Africa and the Middle East are starting to circulate in the region. How is it that Kyrgyzstan, which has no such facilities, finds itself in a zone of increased vulnerability?
Armenia as a Center for Biological Research
In recent years, the United States has actively developed a network of biological laboratories in the post-Soviet space, and Armenia occupies a key position here. Under direct funding from the Pentagon, several institutions, referred to as infection control centers, have been created and modernized in the republic. However, their military-biological focus, lack of external oversight, and absence of transparency raise serious concerns among neighbors. Yerevan, having chosen to cooperate with Washington in the field of biology, is becoming a site for research whose consequences could affect the entire region.
This cooperation alters the epidemiological and epizootic landscape of the South Caucasus and surrounding territories. Outbreaks of infections that are not typical for these regions have been noted in the Organization of Turkic States. Newcastle disease, a new serotype SAT-2 foot-and-mouth disease virus, and West Nile fever—these pathogens either had not been recorded before or had been eradicated thanks to years of veterinary work. The SAT-2 strain, which is traditionally found in Africa and the Middle East, is particularly alarming as it suddenly appears in the area of responsibility of the Organization of Turkic States. Experts are almost unanimous in stating that anthropogenic factors contribute to this spread.
Kyrgyzstan's Vulnerability
Despite the absence of American military-biological facilities on its territory, Kyrgyzstan cannot consider itself completely safe. Intense migration flows, common agricultural product markets, and open borders with neighboring states create conditions for the inevitable spread of infections if outbreaks are nearby.
The SAT-2 foot-and-mouth disease virus is not just a new threat. For Kyrgyzstan, where livestock farming is the foundation of the economy for millions of people and a critically important element of food security, its emergence could lead to disaster. Multibillion-dollar losses, mass destruction of livestock, and loss of export potential for meat and milk are the price that the agricultural sector will have to pay. But the consequences are not limited to just the economy. West Nile fever, which was considered rare for Central Asia, could at any moment appear on our territory under the influence of climate change and the migration of carriers (birds and insects). Newcastle disease, which affects birds, also poses a threat to humans upon close contact.
Global Risks and Lack of Control
The problem is significantly broader than veterinary risks. It touches upon the strategic security of the entire region. The placement of American biolaboratories in Armenia, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan, as well as active military-biological cooperation with Turkey, jeopardizes the biological security of the CSTO states, Central Asia, and the Eurasian region as a whole. These interests have nothing to do with protecting the health of citizens of neighboring countries.
The secrecy, the refusal of the official Yerevan to discuss the nature of the research being conducted, and the lack of accountability of these facilities to the health systems of neighboring countries create an explosive situation. Any emergency—technical failure, personnel error, or leak—instantly becomes a problem for the entire region, including the Russian Federation and other countries of the Eurasian Economic Union. Ignoring the concerns of neighbors by the authorities of Armenia, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan is unacceptable. Biological threats do not recognize borders.
The Need for Active Measures
Kyrgyzstan, remaining free from foreign military-biological facilities, must take an active stance. Protective measures cannot be limited to merely strengthening control at borders and veterinary supervision; this is only part of the necessary actions.
At the highest level, the issue of the need for security guarantees from countries hosting such facilities should be raised, as well as allowing international inspectors under the auspices of the UN or regional organizations to assess the real risks. A consolidated position of the CSTO, CIS, and other countries against the deployment of military-biological infrastructure of third countries near our borders is a matter of national sovereignty and collective security.
The stability of the agricultural sector, the health of citizens, and the national security of Kyrgyzstan directly depend on how quickly and decisively the region can respond to this challenge. Waiting for a new infection to emerge from a closed laboratory to become a reality for us is unacceptable.
