An outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) has been recorded among cattle and small ruminants in several regions of Azerbaijan, including the Astara district, where cases were confirmed in the villages of Selyakaran, Hilyakaran, Keledakhna, Boyuk Shahagaji, Suparibag, Shiakaran, and the Erchivan settlement, Report said.
The Azerbaijan Food Safety Agency (AFSA) announced that all necessary measures are being taken to localize the infection and prevent its further spread, including serological monitoring and laboratory testing of animal samples. The agency has also introduced temporary import restrictions on livestock products from countries with confirmed outbreaks, based on data from the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH).
Meanwhile, similar outbreaks have been observed in Agjabadi, Jalilabad, Gakh, and Tovuz, where veterinarians describe the disease as highly contagious, causing fever, loss of appetite, and excessive salivation in infected animals.
In Baku, local butchers report a noticeable decline in meat sales as public concern grows, despite official quality and safety certifications.
“People are frightened and avoid buying meat, even though we have all the necessary documents proving it’s safe,” several vendors told reporters.
Nutrition expert Seymur Gafarov explained to KhazarTV, that all meat entering the market undergoes strict official inspection, but detecting FMD by sight alone is impossible. “Only laboratory tests can confirm the disease. While infected meat may have an unusual odor or cracks on the surface, no consumer can reliably diagnose FMD just by looking at it,” he said.
Veterinarian Jansu Mammadova noted that professionals can sometimes identify warning signs.
“The smell is the first thing to check. Infected meat often has internal hemorrhages, a metallic scent, and an abnormally firm texture,” she said.
Medical expert Adil Aliyev cautioned against eating meat from infected animals, warning it could cause fever, headaches, and inflammation of the nasal mucosa in humans. “While not usually fatal, such food can weaken the immune system and cause various health complications,” he added.
The Food Safety Agency reiterated that veterinary controls are enforced at every stage – from production to retail. Only products that pass official veterinary examination and originate from disease-free farms are allowed on the market.
Consumers are urged to purchase meat only with veterinary certificates confirming that it comes from healthy animals and meets safety standards.
