Cattle Culls Controversy: Farmers Challenge Disease Diagnosis in Russia

An outbreak of cattle diseases identified as pasteurellosis or rabies has spread across Russia. Farmers and scientists question the diagnosis and subsequent cattle culls ordered by authorities. A state of emergency was declared in Novosibirsk, with officials taking drastic measures to control the spread, causing farmer protests.

An outbreak of cattle diseases, primarily labeled as pasteurellosis or rabies, has alarmed authorities in Russia, affecting at least 10 regions as of this week. However, the sweeping orders to cull livestock have sparked criticism from farmers and scientists who dispute the official diagnoses.

The Chuvashia region has enforced a quarantine after cases emerged, while a state of emergency is in effect in Novosibirsk. Farmers there argue that pasteurellosis, a bacterial disease, is manageable with antibiotics, pointing out that culling due to pasteurellosis is unnecessarily harsh.

Kremlin officials have stated that swift measures are necessary, yet the agriculture ministry remains silent on the matter. The ongoing crisis threatens Russia's ambitions to increase its agricultural exports, especially to Asian markets. This controversy has only heightened mistrust among farmers, some of whom claim emergency declarations were concealed.

(With inputs from agencies.)