Azerbaijan Elected to European Commission for Foot-and-Mouth Disease Control
Despite the lifting of restrictions in some regions of the country, the largest market in the northern zone, located in Khachmaz, remains closed. According to farmers, this has led to significant economic losses and deteriorating conditions for livestock sales.
Livestock farmers note that the absence of specialized trading platforms has effectively removed competition from the market. As a result, farmers are forced to sell animals to middlemen at significantly lower prices. According to them, a sheep with a market value of about 500 manats is being bought by intermediaries for around 350 manats, and a cow worth about 1000 manats is being purchased for 700 manats.
The situation is exacerbated by rising costs of animal maintenance. By February, many farms' feed supplies had been depleted, while hay prices continue to rise. Additional pressure comes from credit obligations and limited opportunities for livestock sales.
Farmers believe that the epizootic situation has stabilized and trade in specialized markets needs to be restored.
Markets Undergoing Modernization
The Azerbaijan Food Safety Agency reported that some markets have already resumed operations after infrastructure modernization. According to agency representative Usniya Hasanova, about ten livestock markets in the country have been reorganized and are now operating under updated veterinary and sanitary requirements.
Repair and reconstruction work is ongoing at the Khachmaz market and several other facilities. After completion, the owner must submit an official request to the Food Safety Agency. A special commission will then conduct an inspection and decide on the market's reopening.
Creating Disease-Free Animal Zones
Restrictions on livestock trade are linked to a broader program of veterinary control reforms. Azerbaijan is implementing a project to establish territories free from animal diseases.
These zones will include the Zangilan, Jabrayil, and Gubadli districts, as well as parts of the Fuzuli, Lachin, and Khojavend districts. A separate zone will be created in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic.
The work is being carried out with the participation of international organizations — the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH). The project has defined zone boundaries and begun livestock identification.
Enhancing International Cooperation
Amid the implementation of veterinary reforms, Azerbaijan was elected as a member of the European Commission for Foot-and-Mouth Disease (EuFMD).
According to the Food Safety Agency, membership will expand international cooperation in the prevention and control of transboundary animal diseases.
As part of the EuFMD program, agency specialists will gain access to technical support and educational programs. Over two years, Azerbaijani veterinary service staff will participate in specialized training and professional development.
The country's authorities expect that strengthening veterinary control and establishing territories free from animal diseases will improve epizootic well-being, expand livestock product exports, and strengthen the country's position in international markets.
