On July 29, 2025, under the chairmanship of Deputy Akim of Shymkent A. Karimov, the progress of preparations for the second stage of disinfection work to prevent Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) and other enzootic diseases was discussed. The meeting was attended by responsible departments, veterinary services, the Department of Sanitary and Epidemiological Control, representatives of district akimats, and relevant industry specialists.

The agenda included issues of high-quality and timely disinfection work, regulation of mechanical cleaning of barns and inaccessible settlements. Deputy Akim A. Karimov gave specific instructions to all participants, ordering them to pay special attention to areas where cases of STDs are often recorded.

Experts say that chemical disinfection alone is not enough to stop the spread of the disease. Mechanical cleaning of barns, livestock holding areas and their surroundings is a key step to increase the efficiency of work. Processing on land that has not been cleared of garbage and manure will not be fully effective.

In the second phase of this year, the scope of disinfection will be expanded: more than 152 thousand farm animals will be sprayed and sterilized; 2.3 million square meters of barns and buffer zones, as well as the same amount of parks and flower beds, will be disinfected. 18 disinfector specialists and 6 special equipment will be involved in these works.

The quality and safety of the drugs are of primary importance. All the tools used are pre-tested and certified in the laboratory. This ensures that they only affect parasites, without harming humans or animals.

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever is a very dangerous virus. It is transmitted to humans through a tick bite or when the tick's blood comes into contact with the skin or mucous membranes. Since the disease progresses rapidly and the risk of complications is high, timely preventive measures are the main task.

Such disinfection work is carried out annually in Shymkent. In 2023, as a result of two-stage disinfection, the number of tick bites decreased by 17%, and in 2024 this figure decreased again. This was positively influenced by, in addition to disinfection, explanatory work carried out with the population.

Impact on the agro-industrial complex
This measure is not limited to sanitary safety, but will have a positive impact on all sectors of the agro-industrial complex.

Eradicating ticks and other parasites in livestock farming helps maintain animal health and increase productivity. Animal mortality is reduced, meat and milk quality improves, and farmers' losses are reduced. This, in turn, increases competitiveness in the domestic market and in exports.

It is also very useful in poultry farming. Ticks can spread bird diseases, and disinfection prevents bird flu and parasitic diseases, stabilizing the quality of meat and eggs.

Disinfection in fisheries, especially near water bodies, helps maintain water quality and prevent fish diseases. This ensures the safety of aquaculture products.

Reducing pest infestations in beekeeping helps maintain the health of beehives and stabilize honey production. It also ensures the pollination of agricultural crops.

It is also effective in agriculture and greenhouses. By preventing harmful insects and plant diseases, it increases productivity and allows for less use of chemical pesticides.

In terms of land relations and water resource use, the decontamination of unfavorable areas opens the way for their reuse in agriculture. Maintaining sanitary cleanliness near water bodies ensures the safety of agriculture, livestock irrigation, and fisheries.

The result of systematic work
In accordance with the plan approved at the meeting, responsible persons were appointed for each district, and an operational headquarters was established under the city administration. It will monitor the work performed on a daily basis and allocate additional resources if necessary.

Deputy Akim A. Karimov emphasized the active participation of residents. If the population pre-cleans their premises and helps specialists, disinfection will be much more effective and faster. In addition, residents were advised to regularly inspect their pets, use repellents, wear closed clothing when walking in nature, and immediately seek medical help in case of tick bites.

Taking into account the experience of previous years, there is great confidence that this year's campaign will be effective. If the city authorities and residents work together, the risk of STDs and enzootic diseases in Shymkent can be minimized. This will not only strengthen sanitary safety, but also directly affect the sustainable development of all sectors of the agro-industrial complex.