Uzbekistan has imposed temporary restrictions on imports from India as part of preventive measures against the spread of the Nipah virus.

The decision took effect on January 29, 2026, following an order by the country’s Chief State Veterinary Inspector, The Caspian Post reports via Uzbek media.

The restrictions ban the import of live animals and poultry from across India. In addition, Uzbekistan has temporarily suspended imports of all products subject to veterinary control from West Bengal.

The move comes amid a worsening epidemiological situation linked to the Nipah virus in West Bengal. Authorities said the decision was based on information from the World Organisation for Animal Health and open-source data.

Nipah is a zoonotic disease that can be transmitted to humans from animals, contaminated food, or through close human-to-human contact. Previously, a World Health Organization representative in Geneva noted that the risk of new cases remains, as the exact source of infection has not been fully identified and the virus has a natural reservoir in bat populations.

Uzbek authorities said the temporary measures are aimed at protecting public and animal health and will remain in place until the epidemiological risks subside.