Mass livestock culling has begun in several villages of Russia’s Novosibirsk Region during a quarantine regime. Local authorities refer to outbreaks of pasteurellosis and rabies, but residents say they are not shown official documents, are not told the legal grounds, and often see animals taken away when owners are absent.
In the village of Kozikha in Ordynsky district, residents say quarantine has been in force since March 6, while exits are blocked by police checkpoints and piles of snow. On March 9, villagers tried to stop equipment from entering and recorded an appeal to Vladimir Putin and Alexander Bastrykin. They insist their cattle appear healthy and demand blood and milk tests, as well as an independent examination.
Residents say healthy cows must not be killed and that tests should be carried out before any animals are destroyed without explanation.
Farmer Svetlana Panina from Novoklyuchi said that on March 12, while she was away, officials destroyed her entire farm: about 150 sheep, 40 cows, goats, piglets, and even three camels, including a year-old calf. She says no documents were provided, and later an administrative case was opened against her. Her husband now faces possible criminal prosecution.
Russia’s veterinary watchdog reported the outbreaks on February 6: the region had 42 foci of pasteurellosis and rabies, and quarantine was imposed in five districts. At the same time, the regional agriculture ministry said on March 2 that the pasteurellosis outbreaks had been localized. Animal rights advocate Yury Koretsky said livestock are usually isolated and treated with antibiotics in pasteurellosis cases, while mass destruction is considered an extreme measure.
Journalist Ivan Frolov, who filmed reports on the culling, was detained on March 12 after a segment in which an official effectively suggested foot-and-mouth disease might be present, although other officials denied it. The regional Investigative Committee has begun checking residents’ complaints. Governor Andrey Travnikov has not publicly commented, while authorities are offering compensation of 171 rubles per kilogram of live weight and payments of 18,500 rubles for nine months.