Livestock washed for disease prevention

Herders in east provinces have begun washing their livestock as part of a nationwide campaign.

The campaign was approved through the Law on Livestock and Animal Health, which took effect on June 1, 2018. The law specifies that all livestock in Mongolia, currently estimated at around 66 million, must be washed and disinfected to prevent outbreaks of diseases.

Many herders are commending the campaign saying, “We can prevent animals from being affected by cattle itch mites now that we have restarted this activity we used to have during socialism.”

“Washing all of our livestock will increase yield from livestock. Approximately 70 percent of the total livestock in Mongolia are infected by some kind of skin disease, but estimations indicate that these diseases can be cured 100 percent by washing livestock every year,” said B.Batzorig, the minister of food, agriculture and light industry, while visiting eastern provinces to check on the campaign work.

Regularly washing livestock is proven to raise the quality of hides, wool, and other products of animal origin. Experts noted that the quality of hides and leather can be raised by up to three grades when livestock are washed. This is especially beneficial to Mongolia where 70 percent of all collected hides and leather are below standard. The campaign is expected to not only prevent animal diseases but also enhance food security and boost exports of animal products.

Reportedly, Mongolian engineers remodeled livestock washing machines to suit Mongolia's conditions while ensuring that they still comply with standards approved by the World Health Organization.