Outbreaks of Livestock Diseases in Russia Tighten Meat and Dairy Import Controls in Azerbaijan
Reports of livestock infectious disease outbreaks in several regions of Russia have increased attention to the safety of livestock product exports. Azerbaijan declares no violations, yet maintains strict control over meat and dairy imports.
According to media reports, outbreaks of pasteurellosis have been recorded in the Novosibirsk and Omsk regions, as well as in the Altai and Trans-Baikal territories, prompting quarantine measures in several farms. Market participants do not rule out the risks of more serious diseases, including foot-and-mouth disease.
Experts note that foot-and-mouth disease is a highly contagious viral infection capable of causing significant economic damage to livestock. However, the risk of human infection remains low, typically linked to direct contact with infected animals or the consumption of raw milk or inadequately processed products.
A key factor in safety is thermal processing: pasteurization and thorough cooking of meat completely neutralize the virus. Accordingly, regulatory bodies focus on preventing the import of raw and unchecked products.
The Azerbaijan Food Safety Agency reported that imported goods undergo mandatory physical and laboratory checks depending on the risk level. In the past 15 days, no beef was imported from Russia, while approximately 250 tons of dairy products were brought in, having passed safety compliance checks. No violations related to the diseases in question were identified.
Nonetheless, experts acknowledge the theoretical possibility of infection entering through illegal importation of animals or raw products, necessitating enhanced veterinary control and monitoring. Proposed measures include restricting live animal imports, tightening document requirements, and increasing disinfection procedures at borders and farms.
Amid the current epizootic situation, regional countries, including Kazakhstan, are already implementing restrictive measures on the import of certain agricultural products, reflecting a broader trend towards enhanced biosecurity in cross-border trade.
Experts note that foot-and-mouth disease is a highly contagious viral infection capable of causing significant economic damage to livestock. However, the risk of human infection remains low, typically linked to direct contact with infected animals or the consumption of raw milk or inadequately processed products.
A key factor in safety is thermal processing: pasteurization and thorough cooking of meat completely neutralize the virus. Accordingly, regulatory bodies focus on preventing the import of raw and unchecked products.
The Azerbaijan Food Safety Agency reported that imported goods undergo mandatory physical and laboratory checks depending on the risk level. In the past 15 days, no beef was imported from Russia, while approximately 250 tons of dairy products were brought in, having passed safety compliance checks. No violations related to the diseases in question were identified.
Nonetheless, experts acknowledge the theoretical possibility of infection entering through illegal importation of animals or raw products, necessitating enhanced veterinary control and monitoring. Proposed measures include restricting live animal imports, tightening document requirements, and increasing disinfection procedures at borders and farms.
Amid the current epizootic situation, regional countries, including Kazakhstan, are already implementing restrictive measures on the import of certain agricultural products, reflecting a broader trend towards enhanced biosecurity in cross-border trade.
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