Cattle Crisis in Siberia: Farmers Protest Forced Culls

The Novosibirsk region in Russia has declared a state of emergency to control an outbreak of cattle disease. Authorities say five cases of pasteurellosis and 42 rabies incidents were found, prompting the removal of many farm animals. Farmers argue that pasteurellosis can be treated with antibiotics and does not need culling. They also claim they were unaware of the emergency order. Some small farms lost hundreds of cattle, including a few camels. A local farmer chased an official through a government building, warning that he would soon be unable to feed his family. The government says the emergency will help coordinate actions and stop disease spread.Large agricultural companies were largely spared, which has angered many smallholders. The emergency allows farmers to claim compensation for the animals that were taken. Officials say the first payments are already being processed. Experts blame harsh winter weather for weakening animal immunity. They also caution against using unverified feed. Other Siberian regions reported smaller outbreaks or are on alert. The Kremlin said rapid response is sometimes necessary and that affected areas coordinate with Moscow. The agriculture ministry did not reply to a request for comment. Several protesters were briefly detained, but no major crackdown was reported.