Published on March 25, 2026
Russian farmers in regions such as Altai Krai, Penza, and Novosibirsk are grappling with a critical situation as authorities implement drastic measures in response to outbreaks of pasteurellosis and rabies. Thousands of cattle and other livestock are being culled under government mandates aimed at controlling the spread of these diseases, which have rapidly escalated into a public health crisis within the agricultural sector.
The emergence of pasteurellosis among livestock was first reported in late 2025, coinciding with an unusually harsh winter. In Novosibirsk, local officials have linked the outbreak to excessive snowfall that hindered access to food for wild animals, prompting them to venture closer to human habitation. This resulted in the transmission of the disease to domestic herds. The Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance, known as Rosselkhoznadzor, further emphasized the role of extreme cold and significant temperature fluctuations in undermining the immune systems of affected animals.
Since February, farmers and agricultural enterprises have faced escalating livestock seizures as authorities seek to contain the outbreaks. -March, the situation had worsened to the point where regional officials declared a state of emergency due to the dual threats of rabies and pasteurellosis. The culling of animals in the affected zones is intended to safeguard public health and prevent further proliferation of the diseases.
The situation has prompted widespread concern among farmers, who fear for the sustainability of their livelihoods in light of the aggressive livestock culling measures. As authorities continue to address the outbreaks, the agricultural community is left to grapple with the implications of the health crisis on both animal welfare and economic stability.