Azerbaijan’s 3 regions to get foot-and-mouth disease-free status

Azerbaijan’s Karabakh, Eastern Zangazur and Nakhchivan regions will obtain foot-and-mouth disease-free status, Report informs, referring to the Azerbaijan Food Safety Agency (AFSA).

The AFSA has prepared the Country Control Program for creating zones free from foot-and-mouth disease and submitted it to the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH). The program is ready for implementation.

Thus, the process of creating zones free from foot-and-mouth disease has begun in Azerbaijan's Eastern Zangazur and Karabakh economic regions (fully covering the territories of Zangilan, Jabrayil and Gubadli districts, and partially covering the territories of Fuzuli, Khojavand, and Lachin districts) and in the territory of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic.

Obtaining free status will significantly contribute positively to the export and transit of animal products. The Country Control Program includes conducting regular epidemiological monitoring, completing animal identification and registration, tracking animal transportation through the Automated Food Safety Information System (AFSIS), and implementing mass vaccination measures.

In 2024, Azerbaijan was recognized by the WOAH as a country free from peste des petits ruminants and highly pathogenic avian influenza, while also maintaining the previously obtained free status from African horse sickness and African swine fever.