Story perspectives

Farmers Doubt Russian Claims on Cattle Epidemic Control

4/2/2026

Summary

Story summary

Russian authorities say they have controlled a cattle epidemic in Siberia attributed to pasteurellosis.
Farmers dispute this and suspect a more serious issue, possibly foot-and-mouth disease.
Small farmers protested after forced culling without clear communication from officials, fueling distrust.
If Russia loses its FMD-free status, meat exports could be severely impacted, especially to China and the Middle East, though bans have not yet been imposed.

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Story summary

Russian authorities say they have controlled a cattle epidemic in Siberia attributed to pasteurellosis.
Farmers dispute this and suspect a more serious issue, possibly foot-and-mouth disease.
Small farmers protested after forced culling without clear communication from officials, fueling distrust.
If Russia loses its FMD-free status, meat exports could be severely impacted, especially to China and the Middle East, though bans have not yet been imposed.