Russia imposes quarantine near Moscow over lumpy skin disease outbreak

RUSSIA – Authorities in the Moscow region have imposed a quarantine after lumpy skin disease (LSD) was detected in cattle in several towns and villages about 25 kilometres from Moscow, restricting the movement of cattle, animal products and feed.

The quarantine follows the detection of the viral cattle disease in the region, with local authorities introducing measures to prevent further spread. 

Lumpy skin disease is mainly transmitted by biting insects and causes fever, painful skin nodules, weakness and reduced milk production. The disease does not affect humans.

Under the Moscow regional government’s order, the movement of cattle, cattle products including milk, and animal feed into and out of the quarantined area has been banned. 

Agricultural fairs have also been prohibited in the affected zone.

Feed movement restricted amid disease control

The restrictions on feed highlight the importance of controlling potential pathways through which livestock diseases can spread between farms and production areas.

Quarantine measures can disrupt feed supply and animal movement, particularly on farms that depend on deliveries from outside affected areas.

Maintaining adequate feed stocks and ensuring that feed movements comply with veterinary controls can therefore become an important part of disease-response planning.

The Moscow outbreak also comes as Russia has reported LSD in other parts of the country. 

Earlier this week, authorities in the Irkutsk region near Lake Baikal imposed quarantine measures in two settlements and said infected cattle would have to be culled.

LSD has also become an increasing concern beyond Russia. 

The disease is widespread in North Africa and was detected in several European countries in 2025. 

France ordered the culling of infected cattle during outbreaks last year, triggering protests from farming organisations.

The disease can have significant implications for cattle production because infected animals can experience reduced productivity, while outbreaks can lead to movement restrictions, vaccination requirements, culling and disruption to livestock and dairy value chains.

Outbreaks can consequently affect both feed demand and distribution, particularly when cattle movements and access to farms are restricted.

The latest measures near Moscow underline the wider importance of coordinated animal health, biosecurity and feed-supply planning in managing transboundary livestock diseases.

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