Authorities in Russia’s Transbaikalia region have introduced a heightened state of readiness from October 8 following reports of a foot-and-mouth disease outbreak in neighboring countries, Governor Alexander Osipov announced.

Osipov said the decision was based on information from the World Health Organization (WHO) regarding the outbreak, according to Kommersant.

The regional veterinary service has been instructed to carry out booster vaccinations against foot-and-mouth disease in 12 border districts and ensure that personnel and resources are ready to respond quickly to any outbreaks.

Local authorities have also been ordered to restrict livestock grazing within 10 kilometers of the border and inform residents about preventive measures. The regional finance ministry has been tasked with allocating funds from the reserve budget to purchase vaccines.

Osipov urged livestock owners to prevent uncontrolled grazing and arrange veterinary examinations and vaccinations for their animals.

He also called on residents to immediately report any animal deaths or cases of widespread illness and to sell livestock products only when accompanied by the required veterinary documentation.

The measures are intended to strengthen the region’s preparedness and reduce the risk of the disease spreading across the border.