USDA flags possible Foot-and-Mouth Disease in Russia amid livestock outbreak

RUSSIA – A new report by the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) suggests that the outbreak in Siberia may be foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), rather than the officially cited pasteurellosis, reports DairyNews.today.

According to the USDA, quarantine restrictions have been implemented in several regions, including Novosibirsk, with mass culling of animals and strict movement controls.

While Russian authorities attribute the measures to controlling pasteurellosis and sporadic rabies cases, USDA sources argue that the scale and intensity of the response, including export restrictions, more closely resemble protocols for FMD containment.

Indirect evidence supporting this concern includes Kazakhstan’s February 2026 temporary ban on importing live animals, meat, dairy products, and feed from affected Russian regions.

Such regional trade responses are consistent with international precautionary measures against highly contagious diseases like FMD.

Although Russia has not officially confirmed any FMD cases, the USDA report warns that the nature of veterinary interventions could indicate a potential risk of the disease spreading within the livestock sector.

FMD is highly contagious, affecting cloven-hoofed animals and capable of devastating cattle populations if not contained, potentially impacting domestic meat and dairy supply chains.

Regional monitoring shows that FMD remains a critical concern in Eurasia. In 2025, outbreaks in Kazakhstan and Mongolia prompted temporary export bans and emergency vaccination campaigns, highlighting the economic and trade vulnerability of countries reliant on cross-border livestock movements.

Similarly, China’s stringent FMD surveillance has limited large-scale outbreaks, underscoring the importance of early detection and transparent reporting in mitigating risks.

Industry experts caution that misidentification of livestock diseases can exacerbate economic losses.

Mass culling under uncertain diagnoses may disrupt production, reduce regional exports, and drive feed and commodity price fluctuations.

Meanwhile, neighboring countries continue to monitor import restrictions and adjust sourcing strategies in anticipation of potential disease spread.

The USDA report underscores the need for vigilance in monitoring Siberia’s livestock health. While official confirmation is pending, the situation signals ongoing risks for Russia’s cattle sector and highlights the broader implications for regional trade and food security.

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