Kyrgyzstan halts cattle Export amid controversy over Uzbekistan

Starting January 31, the Veterinary Service under Kyrgyzstan’s Ministry of Water, Agriculture, and Processing Industry has suspended issuing permits for the export of cattle, small livestock, and horses, the ministry’s press service reported.

The restriction was introduced by Order No. 04-13/4, which approves the list of agricultural goods subject to export controls. Previously issued permits have also been temporarily suspended until inspections are completed and regulations are reviewed. The ministry stated that the resumption of exports will be announced later.

The decision follows recent controversy sparked by Kyrgyz MP Janar Akayev, who claimed on January 29 that 15,000–20,000 heads of cattle were being exported to Uzbekistan weekly. He also alleged that veterinary service employees were illegally collecting 100 soms per animal for the head of the department. Akayev urged the State Committee for National Security to investigate the matter.

In response, the Veterinary Service denied the allegations, calling them unfounded and false. However, the agency confirmed that an internal investigation had been launched following Akayev’s statement.

It remains unclear whether the temporary export ban is directly linked to these accusations.

Notably, in September 2024, the Kyrgyz Ministry of Water, Agriculture, and Processing Industry had also suspended cattle export permits to conduct an inventory of farm animal identification in the Animal Identification and Tracking System.