Russia Quarantines Cattle Near Moscow Following Lumpy Skin Disease Outbreak
Lumpy Skin Disease Outbreak and Quarantine Measures
Detection and Response in Moscow Region
MOSCOW, Sept 9 (Reuters) - Authorities in the Moscow region have introduced a quarantine after lumpy skin disease was detected in cattle in several towns and villages about 25 km (16 miles) from Moscow, according to a document on the regional government's website on Wednesday.
About Lumpy Skin Disease
Lumpy skin disease is a viral infection mainly spread by biting insects that affects cattle. It causes fever and painful skin lumps, weakens animals and reduces milk output. The disease does not infect humans.
Spread of the Disease in Europe and North Africa
The disease, which is widespread in North Africa, was detected in several European countries last year. Authorities in France ordered infected cows culled, sparking protests from farm unions.
Government Actions and Restrictions
Quarantine and Transport Bans
The Moscow regional government's order banned the transport of cattle, cattle products, including milk, and feed to and from the quarantined area. It also banned agricultural fairs there.
Other Regional Responses
Irkutsk Region Measures
Earlier this week, authorities in the Irkutsk Region near Lake Baikal in Siberia imposed a lumpy skin disease quarantine in two settlements and said infected animals would have to be culled.
Previous Outbreaks in Siberia
An outbreak of cattle diseases officially identified as pasteurellosis or rabies in Siberia in spring led to the mass culling of livestock and sparked rare protests by local farmers.
(Reporting by Gleb Bryanski. Editing by Mark Potter)
