On August 14, a press conference was held in Shymkent on measures to prevent and warn against anthrax. The event took place at the Regional Communications Service and brought together representatives of the city's veterinary and sanitary-epidemiological services. The discussion was attended by the head of the veterinary department of the city's agricultural department, Erlan Adenov, and the deputy head of the department of sanitary-epidemiological control for the city of Shymkent, Aigul Turymbetova. They spoke about the current epidemiological situation, the characteristics of the pathogen, and the steps being taken to minimize the risks of infection.

Anthrax is a particularly dangerous infection that can be transmitted to both animals and humans. The pathogen forms spores that can survive in the soil for decades. Due to its resistance to temperature and chemical influences, the Bacillus anthracis bacterium can remain active for over a hundred years, which makes its control particularly difficult. In Shymkent, as in other regions where livestock farming is developed, this disease is one of those that is constantly monitored. Potential outbreaks are carefully monitored, and if suspicious cases are detected, measures are immediately taken to isolate and eliminate the source of infection.

The city annually carries out planned vaccination of farm animals against anthrax. These works are carried out in accordance with the approved schedule, covering both farms and private households. In parallel with this, diagnostic studies are carried out aimed at identifying the disease at an early stage. Specialists emphasize that the success of prevention largely depends on the discipline of animal owners and the willingness of the population to comply with sanitary requirements.

At the press conference, a list of basic measures to reduce the risk of infection was announced. First of all, meat and meat products should be purchased only in trusted places where they undergo veterinary and sanitary control. Persons working with raw materials of animal origin are required to strictly observe the rules of personal hygiene. When caring for animals, it is necessary to adhere to veterinary and sanitary standards, and slaughter should be carried out exclusively at specialized points with the permission of specialists. It is strictly forbidden to independently slaughter animals that show signs of disease, as well as to eat the meat of such animals. Annual vaccination of livestock against anthrax remains a mandatory condition.

Such events are held in Shymkent regularly, but their format and scope change depending on the situation. For example, in 2023, the main focus was on meetings with residents of suburban and rural areas, where the population was explained the rules for caring for livestock and the need for vaccination. In 2024, in addition to traditional briefings, special attention was paid to educational institutions: schoolchildren and students were told about the dangers of the disease and precautions. In addition, social networks were actively used - videos, memos and infographics were published, which made it possible to reach a wider audience.

In 2025, the format of work became even more comprehensive. A press conference dedicated to the prevention of anthrax became part of a large-scale information campaign addressed not only to villagers, but also to residents of the city center. The organizers are confident that the formation of a responsible attitude to sanitary safety should begin with each citizen, regardless of whether they are related to animal husbandry.

According to experts, the fight against anthrax requires the efforts of several services at once. Veterinarians carry out preventive vaccinations and diagnostic examinations of animals, sanitary and epidemiological services monitor the condition of potentially dangerous objects, and information structures inform the population of the rules of safe behavior. In the event of detection of the disease, the algorithm of actions is clearly developed: infected animals are subject to isolation, the territory is disinfected, and people who have been in contact with them are taken under medical supervision.

By the end of this year, a number of additional events are planned to be held in Shymkent: training seminars for animal owners, briefings for workers at meat processing plants, as well as off-site meetings with the population in high-risk areas. Compared to previous years, in 2025, preventive measures will cover a larger number of participants and territories. This became possible due to the expansion of the material and technical base of the veterinary service, as well as the active involvement of the media and social networks.

Doctors and veterinary specialists emphasize that even the most modern methods of prevention will be ineffective if the population does not follow basic safety rules. Every resident of the city and rural areas can contribute to the prevention of a dangerous infection by simply following the recommendations - buy food in trusted places, do not neglect animal vaccination and contact specialists at the first signs of illness. Thus, the press conference in Shymkent became not only an informative, but also a practical event that reminded of the importance of an integrated approach to combating dangerous infections. The experience of past years shows that timely and systematic measures can significantly reduce the risk of anthrax, and therefore preserve the health of people and animals.