Foot-and-Mouth Disease Outbreak Sparks Culling in Russia and China

A significant outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) has been reported in China's Xinjiang region, prompting immediate border control measures and livestock culling. This outbreak follows extensive cattle culling in Russia, where approximately 90,000 cattle have been culled across nine regions since February 2026, primarily in the Altai region. Russian authorities have attributed these culls to various illnesses, including rabies and pasteurellosis, raising suspicions of a more serious FMD outbreak being concealed. The Chinese agriculture ministry confirmed that 219 cattle tested positive for FMD, a highly contagious disease resistant to current vaccines. The proximity of the outbreaks has led to concerns about cross-border disease transmission. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has indicated that the situation in Russia could suggest an unconfirmed FMD outbreak, while Russia's agriculture watchdog has dismissed these claims. The situation reflects ongoing issues with transparency and crisis management in Russia, reminiscent of past health crises.

Key Points: • China reports FMD outbreak in Xinjiang, leading to livestock culling. • Russia has culled approximately 90,000 cattle amid suspicions of concealed FMD outbreak. • Concerns about cross-border transmission of livestock diseases between Russia and China.