The Ministry of Agriculture and the Council of Farmers in Uzbekistan have declared a "Month of Sanitary and Epidemiological Hygiene in Animal Husbandry" from April 18 to May 18. This initiative comes in response to the increasing risk of new diseases among animals due to changes in ecological balance and climate, posing significant challenges to the country's agricultural sector and raising concerns about potential economic losses.

Specifically, there is a growing risk of foot-and-mouth disease spreading in foreign countries. According to the World Organisation for Animal Health, new types of this disease (SAT) have been registered in 48 countries during 2025–2026, against which existing vaccines do not provide full protection. This situation threatens Uzbekistan's livestock industry, as the disease could rapidly spread and undermine food security.

Farmers are required to take immediate action upon suspicion of illness: symptoms such as high fever, ulcers in the mouth and on hooves, and udder lesions should prompt urgent contact with a veterinarian. Additionally, disinfection of premises is mandatory, livestock products must not be transported outside the farm, and milk should not be consumed without boiling.

Regarding vaccination, cattle are to be vaccinated twice a year (in spring and autumn), while sheep are vaccinated once a year. If necessary, all animals over 2.5–3 months old are vaccinated, with immunity developing within 15–21 days. Contact numbers for reporting symptoms of the disease are provided: (71-202-12-00, internal: 210, 218, 323).

Source: kun.uz