BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan: Kyrgyzstan has imposed a temporary ban on the import of live animals and animal products from India in response to confirmed cases of Nipah virus infection, authorities said.
The restrictions were announced on January 28 by Kyrgyzstan’s Veterinary Service as a preventive measure to reduce the risk of the virus entering the country.
Officials said the decision was taken following reports of confirmed Nipah cases in India’s eastern state of West Bengal, according to ‘The Times of Central Asia’.
Nipah virus is a highly lethal zoonotic disease that can spread to humans through contact with infected animals—particularly fruit bats and pigs—or by consuming food contaminated with bat secretions.
Human-to-human transmission is also possible through close physical contact. Past outbreaks have shown a case fatality rate ranging from 40 to 75 per cent.
Indian authorities confirmed two Nipah cases in West Bengal in late December, both involving healthcare workers. The reports prompted several countries, including Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Malaysia, to strengthen airport screening and monitoring procedures to prevent cross-border transmission.
Kyrgyzstan’s Ministry of Health said no Nipah virus cases have been detected in the country and urged the public to remain calm. In a statement, the ministry said the national healthcare system was prepared to respond rapidly to any potential epidemiological threats.
As part of enhanced preventive measures, sanitary and quarantine controls have been tightened at border crossings.
The ministry said it was working closely with the WHO and international partners to monitor the situation and coordinate containment efforts.
Neighbouring Kazakhstan also issued a statement confirming that no Nipah cases had been recorded domestically.
Kazakh authorities said the epidemiological situation remained under control but noted that screening procedures had been strengthened at all border checkpoints, particularly for travellers arriving from India and Southeast Asia.
The WHO classifies the Nipah virus as a priority pathogen due to its high mortality rate and potential to cause fast-spreading outbreaks. While vaccines are under development, there is currently no approved treatment or cure.
