According to Current Time TV, mass livestock culling is underway in at least 10 regions of russia, with the number of animals destroyed already exceeding 100,000. While authorities officially cite outbreaks of pasteurellosis and rabies, experts suggest the real cause may be foot-and-mouth disease (FMD).

Mass Culling of Livestock

Farmers report forced seizure and destruction of animals. Veterinary services are operating alongside security forces, while local residents have recorded videos showing the burning of livestock carcasses.

Despite attempts by farmers to draw attention from authorities—including an appeal to vladimir putin—the situation remains unchanged.

Official Explanation and Doubts

Authorities attribute quarantine measures to outbreaks of pasteurellosis and rabies. Pasteurellosis is a bacterial infection that can be treated with antibiotics and rarely transmits to humans.

However, official documents from regional commissions refer to an “especially dangerous disease” without specifying its name. Meanwhile, Kazakhstan has already restricted imports of animals and agricultural products from russia without publicly stating the reason.

Foot-and-Mouth Disease Hypothesis

Meat industry expert Arsen Islamov believes the most plausible explanation is an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease.

“The FMD hypothesis is the most convincing. Such drastic containment measures suggest it can only be foot-and-mouth disease,” he noted.

FMD spreads rapidly through contact and cannot be treated. Although mortality in cattle is around 10%, infected animals continue to spread the virus.

Export Risks

An FMD outbreak could have serious economic consequences. If confirmed, restrictions may apply not only to exports of meat and dairy products but also to crop products.

“Restrictions due to FMD could significantly undermine foreign currency revenues,” the expert stated.

The virus can persist in the environment for extended periods—up to five days at subzero temperatures and up to three months at +30°C.

Possible Information Suppression

According to the expert, russian authorities may be deliberately withholding information about the true cause of the outbreak.

“Apparently, this is being deliberately concealed. They cannot not know that this is an FMD epidemic.”

He also noted that russia has a strong scientific base for diagnosing the disease, including a профильний institute in Yaroslavl.

Potential Consequences

Experts warn that the situation could worsen without effective coordination between the government and farmers.

Attempts to conceal the outbreak or delays in communication may accelerate the spread of the disease, as farmers may try to move animals and avoid culling measures.

While foot-and-mouth disease rarely poses a significant risk to humans, it has a major impact on agricultural economies, particularly due to export restrictions.

Source: Current Time TV