March 18, 2026
Russian authorities are culling livestock over a mysterious disease. Farmers are protesting, saying their animals don’t look sick.
For nearly two weeks, farmers in rural parts of Russia’s Novosibirsk region have been protesting the mass confiscation and destruction of their livestock by local authorities, who have cited an “especially dangerous disease” — though have refused to name it. Villagers are furious not only at officials’ silence, but at the low compensation being offered for their herds, which are often their sole source of income. The story has gone viral on social media, landing on top of a pile of grievances Russians have accumulated in recent months: rising taxes and utility bills, internet shutdowns, and the blocking of Telegram. From Monaco, celebrity and influencer Victoria Bonya has called on Russians to “stand up and rebel” — earning nearly 180,000 likes. Here’s what we know.
TL;DR
- Farmers in Russia's Novosibirsk region are protesting the culling of livestock by authorities over an unspecified "especially dangerous disease."
- Villagers are demanding transparency, better compensation, and an explanation for the mass destruction of animals, which they claim show no signs of illness.
- The official explanation mentions rabies and pasteurellosis, but these diseases do not typically require wholesale culling, and farmers suspect foot-and-mouth disease is the real reason.
- Authorities are accused of concealing the true nature of the disease to protect Russia's livestock export trade, leading to import bans from neighboring countries.
- Protests include road blockades and appeals to federal authorities, with farmers also facing threats and pressure from local officials.
- Compensation offered is significantly lower than market rates, leading some farmers to slaughter their own animals to salvage meat.
- The story has gone viral on social media, attracting widespread attention and calls for rebellion from public figures.
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