In July 2025, an information and prevention campaign aimed at preventing enzootic diseases among animals was launched in Shymkent. The events were organized jointly by the City Department of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, specialists from the State Enterprise "Veterinary Service" and employees of the Akimat of the Al-Farabi District. One of the main stages was meetings with residents of the Tekesu microdistrict on July 23 and 24, where the upcoming disinfection scheduled for August 10 was discussed.

Enzootic diseases are infectious and parasitic diseases that are localized to a particular area and transmitted among animals. Some of them can be dangerous for humans, especially if the pathogen persists in the environment or is transmitted through insect bites. In urban areas, where farm animals are kept in close proximity to residential areas, such diseases pose an increased risk to both public health and the urban ecosystem as a whole.

In preparation for disinfection, specialists explained to residents the rules of sanitary safety, the importance of timely removal of manure, organic remains, wet litter and garbage near outbuildings. The main emphasis was placed on the fact that prevention is always more effective than dealing with the consequences. Residents were also told about the opportunities to participate in free veterinary events and how to properly prepare areas for disinfection.

The current campaign is characterized by its emphasis on personal responsibility and public participation. While such events were previously perceived as an initiative of city services only, now more and more city residents realize that the sanitary condition of their areas directly affects the well-being of the environment. This indicates a growing environmental awareness and the gradual formation of a culture of sustainable coexistence with nature, even in urban conditions.

Historically, Shymkent has already had experience with similar events. For example, in 2022, large-scale disinfection was also carried out in the city's suburban areas to prevent outbreaks of brucellosis and skin dermatitis in cattle. At that time, the work covered more than 80 private farmsteads. However, unlike the current initiative, previous measures were often limited to mechanical cleaning without extensive information support.

The current program is distinguished by a systematic approach: preliminary preparation, explanation, involvement of not only specialists, but also local activists, street elders, workers of public utilities and sanitary services. This allows not only to eliminate potential sources of infection, but also to form a sustainable practice of sanitary self-control in city blocks.

From an environmental point of view, disinfection measures also play an important role. Cleaning areas from manure and organic waste helps reduce the level of soil and groundwater pollution, prevents the reproduction of flies, rats and other disease carriers. In addition, it prevents the release of unpleasant and harmful gases into the atmosphere, such as ammonia and hydrogen sulfide, formed during the decomposition of organic matter.

In addition to the direct sanitary effect, such activity also has an indirect impact on the citywide environmental situation: air quality improves, the risk of pollution of storm drains and irrigation canals decreases, and the comfort of the urban environment increases, especially in the private sectors, where the practice of domestic livestock farming is still preserved.

Prevention of enzootic diseases is not only a veterinary task, but also a social one. Involvement of the local population helps to build trust between citizens and authorities, as well as to ensure sustainability of the achieved results. Such measures are not a one-time action, but a step towards systemic improvement of the urban environment and the health of its residents.

The planned start of disinfection activities - August 10 - will be the practical phase of the current information campaign. From this time, specialists will begin active work on the sanitization of yards, sheds and adjacent areas in the most susceptible areas. The city administration calls on all owners of domestic and farm animals to ensure timely preparation of areas and strictly adhere to sanitary standards.

Thus, the program for the prevention of enzootic diseases carried out in Shymkent is an example of successful coordination of efforts of various structures aimed at protecting public health, reducing environmental risks and improving the quality of urban life. This is an important step towards the formation of a safe and sustainable city, in which concern for sanitation and the environment becomes part of the daily responsibility of each resident.