On social media, including Threads, alarming reports are actively discussed: young livestock can be so weak that they cannot stand on their own, and the effectiveness of the vaccines being used is in doubt. Some users note that the nature of the disease is unclear, and as a result of mass illnesses among cattle, there is a shortage of dairy products.
This week, Deputy Dastan Bekeshev reported in a parliamentary committee that he has temporarily banned his relatives from purchasing beef, as farmers increasingly report cases of livestock infected with foot-and-mouth disease.
The Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture, and Processing Industry noted that the information about the outbreak has not been confirmed, and the situation is assessed as stable.
Nevertheless, during a meeting with Minister Erlis Akunbekov, representatives of the livestock sector expressed concern about the increasing number of diseases among livestock in recent years. They emphasized the need to strengthen preventive measures, timely diagnostics, and rapid responses from veterinary services.
Minister Akunbekov confirmed that preventing epizootic risks is one of the key areas of agricultural policy. He instructed the relevant services to enhance veterinary control, monitor the epizootic situation, and activate preventive work in farms.
Additionally, funds have been allocated from the republican budget for the purchase of biological products and laboratory diagnostic kits.
The Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture, and Processing Industry urged livestock owners to closely monitor the condition of their animals, report any signs of illness to veterinary specialists, and strictly adhere to the recommendations of the veterinary service.
“Minister Akunbekov has taken personal control over measures to prevent an epizootic situation,” the ministry emphasized.
Meanwhile, the Veterinary Service for Livestock Development, Pastures, and Feed stated that the meat offered at official markets and retail outlets is safe.
The veterinary service strongly recommends that citizens be vigilant and purchase meat only from official retail outlets. Buyers have the right to request a testing protocol from the seller and can independently scan a QR code to find out the date and place of slaughter, as well as the results of tests. The service warns that purchasing meat in unregulated places or "from hand" in rural areas can pose a serious health threat.
Foot-and-Mouth Disease: What Is It and Why Is It Dangerous for Humans?
Foot-and-mouth disease is a serious illness transmitted from animals to humans, especially through contact with infected milk and meat, as well as through direct interaction. The danger to humans lies in the fact that the virus can cause fever, the appearance of blisters on mucous membranes, and other symptoms of intoxication.
Symptoms of the disease in humans may include: fever, chills, weakness, elevated temperature, headache, back pain, burning in the throat, and excessive salivation. In some cases, sores may appear on the mucous membranes of the mouth, lips, tongue, as well as on the skin of the hands and feet.
