Local residents express dissatisfaction with the authorities' insufficient attention to this problem.
A resident of the village of Kalinin, Aibek Jumaliev, shared his experience:
“This year, the disease has manifested in a very serious form. Previously, the infection mainly affected the oral cavity, but now the udder and hooves are suffering, which prevents the cattle from moving normally, and their condition is extremely severe.
Farmers are in despair and do not know how to act. The disease continues to progress, and if urgent measures are not taken, the situation will worsen. Moreover, foot-and-mouth disease is beginning to affect sheep as well.
In my case: I have 5 sick cows and 5 calves, and my brother has 10 cows and also calves. In neighboring villages, the situation is similar; most people report that up to 80% of their livestock is sick.”
Another local resident, Ulanbek Sokeev, added:
“Currently, cows, sheep, and even young lambs are suffering. Treatment with injections is not yielding results, and people are losing their livestock, incurring losses. Pastures are also becoming contaminated. There needs to be a systematic approach to disposing of dead livestock.
The issue requires attention: why are the medications in veterinary pharmacies ineffective? There is a feeling that there is no control over the quality and sources of these medications coming into Kyrgyzstan.
Furthermore, if the meat of animals that did not survive to the slaughter point is sent for processing, it could pose a health risk to people. Is anyone thinking about this? Livestock diseases can cause serious harm to humans.”
For more detailed information, we contacted the Naryn Regional Veterinary Department. In their responses, they stated:
“We are recording cases of livestock diseases in the field. Specialists are carrying out the necessary measures. Currently, the A. Duyisheev Scientific Institute is conducting laboratory tests to clarify the diagnosis.”
The Deputy Akim of the At-Bashinsky District for Agriculture, Kenzhebek Kachkynbaev, reported the following:
“Foot-and-mouth disease is beginning to be registered throughout the republic. The disease arrived in our district last week. This is a new strain of foot-and-mouth disease that spreads faster than the previous one. Vaccination of cows has not yet been carried out.
However, based on our experience, the disease is treatable. Timely administration of penicillin, bicillin, and specialized sprays can lead to a quick recovery.
Previously, cases of the disease were recorded in the Chuy region and other places, and now there is an outbreak in the Naryn region, although there are also recovering animals. If the vaccine arrives soon, we will be able to cover all animals and stabilize the situation.”
