While Turkiye closes all livestock markets due to a surge in foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) cases, farmers in parts of Tajikistan suspect a similar outbreak among their cattle — yet national authorities firmly deny any registered cases of the highly contagious disease.
A farmer's loss and a growing concern
In Tursunzoda, local farmer Muminjon invested 40,000 somonis in a pedigree cow, trusting that livestock breeding would help secure his family’s livelihood. He claims to have followed all veterinary recommendations, including timely vaccinations purchased from a licensed animal pharmacy. But one morning, his cow was found dead.
“I did everything by the book,” he said. “I used the vaccine exactly as instructed. We used to have vets who truly knew their work. Now it feels like we’re left hoping for luck.”
Muminjon’s case is not isolated. Farmers in multiple regions are reporting sudden livestock deaths and suspect FMD. Yet the Committee for Food Security of Tajikistan insists no official cases of FMD have been registered.
Authorities blame poor livestock management
In a response to Asia-Plus, the Committee acknowledged the effectiveness of Russian and Indian-manufactured FMD vaccines, but emphasized that improper animal care, hygiene, and handling of vaccines are often behind such losses.
“FMD vaccination alone is not enough. Poor conditions, feeding, and hygiene practices can lead to animal deaths unrelated to FMD,” officials stated.
The committee further explained that the virus has seven serotypes and numerous subtypes, making it difficult to ensure full protection even when vaccinated.
FMD in the region: a worrying global trend
Globally, FMD outbreaks have been rising. In 2024–2025, type O FMD virus has reportedly been detected in countries such as Germany, China, South Korea, Indonesia, Oman, and the UAE. On July 1, Turkiye shut down all livestock markets to contain its outbreak.
Tajikistan, according to authorities, remains free of the disease. But they admit that FMD is extremely contagious, and that twice-yearly vaccination is recommended due to the region’s poor epizootic conditions.
The Russian Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance has also warned that Kazakhstan may purchase an ineffective vaccine, potentially exacerbating the spread of the disease.
What farmers should know
FMD can be transmitted to humans through raw milk or direct contact with infected animals. The virus causes fever, sores in the mouth and feet of livestock, and is especially dangerous for calves and young animals.
Authorities list anthrax, rabies, brucellosis, leptospirosis, emphysematous carbuncle, sheep and goat pox, pasteurellosis, and braxy as the most frequently registered animal diseases.
Veterinary experts are responsible for meat quality and sanitary control. Reports that sick animals are sold at reduced prices to sausage plants remain unverified, but authorities stress the importance of proper livestock care to avoid such outcomes.
Farmers’ fears vs. official denial
Despite the government’s denial of an FMD outbreak, farmers remain anxious — especially in the face of growing regional threats and anecdotal livestock deaths. Mistrust in vaccine quality, lack of veterinary oversight, and a broader fear of economic loss continue to fuel speculation.
As the global epidemiological situation remains tense, the question in Tajikistan isn’t just if foot-and-mouth disease has arrived, but how prepared the country is to deal with it if it does.
