Russia Imposes Quarantine Near Moscow Over Lumpy Skin Disease in Cattle

Sep. 9, 2026 Pixabay Authorities in the Moscow region have introduced a quarantine after lumpy skin disease was detected in cattle in several towns and villages about 25 kilometers (16 miles) from Moscow, according to a document on the regional government's website on Wednesday. Lumpy skin disease is a viral infection mainly spread by biting insects that affects cattle. It causes fever and painful skin lumps, weakens animals and reduces milk output. The disease does not infect humans. The disease, which is widespread in North Africa, was detected in several European countries last year. Authorities in France ordered infected cows culled, sparking protests from farm unions. The Moscow regional government's order banned the transport of cattle, cattle products, including milk, and feed to and from the quarantined area. It also banned agricultural fairs there. Earlier this week, authorities in the Irkutsk region near Lake Baikal in Siberia imposed a lumpy skin disease quarantine in two settlements and said infected animals would have to be culled. An outbreak of cattle diseases officially identified as pasteurellosis or rabies in Siberia in spring led to the mass culling of livestock and sparked rare protests by local farmers. Read more about: Moscow region , Agriculture , Animals Sign up for our free weekly newsletter Our weekly newsletter contains a hand-picked selection of news, features, analysis and more from The Moscow Times. You will receive it in your mailbox every Friday. Never miss the latest news from Russia. Preview Subscribers agree to the Privacy Policy We sent a confirmation to your email. Please confirm your subscription. A Message from The Moscow Times: Dear readers, We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent." These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia. We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help. Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact. By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us. Once Monthly Annual Continue Not ready to support today? Remind me later. × Remind me next month Remind me Thank you! Your reminder is set. We will send you one reminder email a month from now. For details on the personal data we collect and how it is used, please see our Privacy Policy. Read more Regions Calling: Siberian Farmers Abandon Livestock Standoff The Novosibirsk region has culled thousands of cows and other livestock, putting livelihoods at risk. Farmers in other regions worry they may be next. 4 Min read Regions Calling: In Russia, All Eyes Are on Siberia’s Farmers Small farmers across Siberia are fiercely defending their livestock in defiance of government orders to cull thousands of animals. 7 Min read Russia Faces Acute Shortage of Animal Vaccines, Veterinary Group Says Since 2022, many foreign pharmaceutical companies, including animal vaccine producers, have withdrawn from the Russian market. 2 Min read Russian Animal Rights Activist Charged With Treason – Mediazona A former employer described Yevgenia Konforkina as an avid animal lover who had sought to help rescue horses from Russian airstrikes in Ukraine. 1 Min read