A contagious disease affecting goats has spread to Tsogt and Delger soums of Govi-Altai Province, following its reported cross-border introduction from Inner Mongolia in late July. The disease, known as goat pox, was first detected in Tuv Province after reportedly crossing the border from Inner Mongolia. It was subsequently confirmed in Tsogt soum of Govi-Altai Province late last month. According to the local emergency management authorities, the situation there remains concerning, with more than 3,000 goats culled across the soum to prevent the further spread of infection.
Laboratory tests initially confirmed the disease in 253 goats from six households. Of these, 22 died, while approximately 4,000 animals were reportedly present within the affected area. The disease has since spread further, with infection confirmed in Delger soum of Govi-Altai as of September 27, according to laboratory testing by the State Central Veterinary Laboratory. Officials said the source of infection was linked to 12 goats transported from Altanbulag soum of Tuv Province to Govi-Altai Province.
The owner had previously purchased four Arvas-breed bucks from Inner Mongolia. By late August, the livestock began showing signs of illness. Residents of Sumber soum of Tuv Province and Darvi soum of Govi-Altai have also reportedly purchased bucks of the same breed, prompting veterinary authorities to continue surveillance and investigations in the affected areas.
The Govi-Altai Provincial Emergency Commission and veterinary authorities are currently working in Tsogt and Delger soums, where the disease has been detected. Measures include restricting livestock movements and carrying out disinfection, decontamination and culling operations to contain the outbreak.
Officials warned that the disease poses a serious threat to goat herds, as it can infect the entire herd and result in mortality rates of 80 to 90 percent. Herders have been urged to monitor their livestock closely and immediately contact veterinary services if animals develop symptoms such as a purulent discharge from the nose, foaming at the mouth, staggering or holding their heads down.
