Minister of Agriculture Saparkhan Omarov reported that the International Epizootic Bureau, following the results of a mission of independent foreign experts in 2018, gave a high assessment to the results of the modernization of the veterinary service of Kazakhstan in 2011–2017. Of the 47 evaluated criteria on 14 — Kazakhstan improved its position, on 30 — retained high marks, on 3 — received recommendations for improvement.

According to the minister, in accordance with the recommendations of the bureau, the strategy for combating brucellosis has been revised, and changes have been made in the strategy for combating highly pathogenic avian influenza. For anthrax, annual preventive vaccination of susceptible animals is carried out with 100% coverage.

“Kazakhstan has received a positive opinion of international experts on the fight against nodular dermatitis. In February, the Central Customs Administration of China recognized the welfare of Kazakhstan on nodular dermatitis, removed foot-and-mouth disease restrictions, agreed veterinary requirements for cattle, inspected meat-processing plants, five enterprises for processing mutton included in the Register and four are expected to be included in beef processing. This opened up access of Kazakhstani meat products to the Chinese market,” noted Omarov.

At the same time, the bureau reaffirmed Kazakhstan’s well-being status in terms of foot and mouth disease in the non-vaccination zone (9 regions of Kazakhstan) and five vaccination zones. Veterinary requirements for the export from Kazakhstan of beef, meat by-products, egg and livestock for slaughter from Kazakhstan have been agreed with Iran. A veterinary certificate for the export of Kazakhstan cattle and small ruminants for slaughter and breeding has been agreed with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Beef and lamb are exported to Bahrain.

At present, veterinary requirements for pork are being coordinated with China, and with Oman — veterinary certificates for beef and mutton, live cattle.

In addition, in the early 2019, Kazakhstan gained the status of a historically prosperous country in terms of African swine fever. Work continues with the bureau to train veterinary specialists in France. On a legislative basis, the creation of a unified system of veterinary control and supervision, the creation of a vertical veterinary service in local executive bodies, the creation of mobile posts to control the movement of animals and products, financing of inspectorates of Kazakhstani enterprises for inclusion in the Register of third countries at the expense of the budget.

As a result of measures against highly dangerous pests and quarantine objects, the locust range has decreased twice: from 1.9 million hectares in 2018 to the predicted 950.4 thousand hectares in 2019.

“Pesticides, services for their storage, transportation and use have already been purchased. In the second decade of April, it is planned to start chemical treatments against locust pests in the southern regions,” the Minister of Agriculture said.

Starting from this month, Kazakhstan establishes 32 points of veterinary and phytosanitary control near the borders with the EAEU member states.

“Strengthening border control will help preserve previously achieved successes in recognizing the country safe for especially dangerous diseases and gain recognition for the well-being of the classical swine fever and bird flu, which in turn will expand the geography of exports and increase exports of Kazakhstani products,” summarized Omarov.

Akims of the West Kazakhstan region Altai Kulginov, Kyzylorda — Krymbek Kusherbayev, Mangistau — Yeraly Tugzhanov reported on the implementation of the plan of veterinary measures in the regions.

Deputy Prime Minister Zhenis Kassymbek noted that in recent years there has been a tendency to reduce the area of distribution of extremely dangerous quarantine organisms. For example, if we compare 2018 with 2017, the decrease occurred on 112 hectares. In 2019 it is planned to reduce these areas by another 7%. The measures taken will increase the number of acreage and productivity at the local level.