Novosibirsk contains aggressive pasteurellosis outbreak in livestock

Novosibirsk halts deadly pasteurellosis outbreak with mass livestock culling

An aggressive strain of pasteurellosis has spread through the Novosibirsk Region, prompting urgent action from authorities. Officials have now declared the outbreaks contained, with no risk to consumers. The response involved the rapid culling of infected and suspect livestock across affected villages. The first cases emerged after livestock owners and veterinary services failed to take adequate preventive measures. By March, regional authorities had completed a large-scale operation to seize and destroy cows in the worst-hit areas. Farmers whose animals were culled received compensation, monthly payments for nine months, and support to rebuild their herds.

The strain detected in Novosibirsk showed mutational elements, raising concerns about its origins. Investigators from Rosselkhoznadzor and other agencies are examining all possible causes, including accidental spread, business interests, and even deliberate action. Authorities insist their response follows both Russian and international veterinary rules, which require the removal of animals in outbreak zones and high-risk areas. Local farmers, however, contested the measures. They appealed to Alexander Bastrykin and President Vladimir Putin, arguing that officials had not provided proper documentation linking quarantine rules to the culling. The Association of Peasant (Farmer) Households also raised the issue with Russia’s Ministry of Agriculture, but the agency refused to halt the culling operation.

The pasteurellosis outbreaks in Novosibirsk have been brought under control through strict culling and containment. Affected farmers continue to receive financial support as they recover from the losses. Investigations into the outbreak’s origins and the handling of the crisis remain ongoing.