Nipah virus forces Kyrgyzstan to ban import of animals from India

Starting January 28, 2026, Kyrgyzstan’s Service for Veterinary, Livestock Development, Pastures, and Fodder has introduced temporary restrictions on the import of animals susceptible to the Nipah virus and animal products from India.

According to the press service of the Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture, and Food Processing Industry, the measures have been implemented in response to the outbreak of the Nipah virus in India and to ensure the country’s veterinary and sanitary safety, Caliber.Az reports, citing Kyrgyz media.

The service recommends that citizens refrain from purchasing unknown animal products and pay attention to the presence of veterinary accompanying documents.

The situation remains under constant monitoring by the veterinary service.

The Nipah virus is a zoonotic viral infection belonging to the Paramyxoviridae family, capable of causing severe respiratory illness and inflammation of the brain (encephalitis). Bats are the primary natural reservoirs of the virus.

By Khagan Isayev