The third meeting on controlling epizootics of small ruminants within the framework of the regional roadmap for members of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development has kicked off in Tashkent.

The third meeting on controlling epizootics of small ruminants within the framework of the regional roadmap for members of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development has kicked off in Tashkent.

The event, organized by the State Committee of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Development of the Republic of Uzbekistan in cooperation with the World Organisation for Animal Health (International Epizootic Bureau), is attended by representatives of Uzbekistan’s partner organizations, scientists, livestock breeders, as well as experts from Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkey.

Epizootics of small ruminants on a global scale annually cause harm in the amount of 2.1 billion US dollars. A viral disease found mainly in sheep and goats is sometimes transmitted to wild animals. Over the past 15 years, this disease has spread around the world at an alarming rate. It was first recorded in 2016 in Georgia and Mongolia, in 2018 its symptoms were observed in Burundi and Bulgaria. Epizootic is becoming one of the global problems.

Not a single case of epizootics has been recorded in Uzbekistan. Laboratory tests are regularly conducted, blood samples are taken in the slaughterhouses and corrals of the regions. Qualified specialists are involved in these events.

At the event, presentations were made on themes such as improving the veterinary service, regular studies of the migration and population of small ruminants, and the prevention of the spread of epizootics.