Cattle Crisis in Novosibirsk: Protests, Culls, and Controversy

The Novosibirsk region in Russia faces a dire crisis as authorities battle outbreaks of pasteurellosis and rabies among cattle, prompting a large-scale culling order. This unprecedented move has sparked widespread protests, marking the largest non-political demonstrations in Russia since the conflict in Ukraine began.

Regional officials have sealed off affected villages to prevent disease spread, and a government commission from Moscow is in talks with local farmers. The Novosibirsk governor assured substantial financial compensation for those affected during the nine-month recovery period.

As Kazakhstan expands its ban on Russian importation of meat and livestock, questions arise about the diagnosis and necessity of the culls, especially given budget strain. Some locals have petitioned to rename their village after Putin as an appeal for intervention.