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UN agency warns of ‘critical outbreak’ of foot-and-mouth disease in Afghanistan
The highly contagious viral disease is spreading rapidly among cattle, sheep, and goats, placing enormous pressure on the livestock sector
A critical outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is currently unfolding across Afghanistan, risking the lives of millions of cattle, sheep and goats, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations warned Sunday in a post on X.
The agency said the “virus spreads fast and herders are losing their livelihoods”.
The highly contagious viral disease is spreading rapidly among cattle, sheep, and goats, placing enormous pressure on the livestock sector — a key pillar of Afghanistan’s rural economy.
According to veterinary experts, several key factors are driving the outbreak, including: Open and porous borders; Frequent movement of livestock across provinces and regions; Changing climate conditions; Limited access to vaccines; Inadequate veterinary infrastructure; Environmental stress and weakened animal health.
The FAO is actively working with local veterinarians, herders, and communities to contain the disease and prevent further spread, the agency said.
In 2024, FAO successfully vaccinated over 800,000 cattle against FMD as part of its nationwide animal health campaign.
The organization is now intensifying its efforts to reach more at-risk areas and vulnerable livestock populations.
“Protecting livestock means protecting livelihoods,” said an FAO representative.
“This outbreak poses a serious threat to food security and rural incomes. We must act quickly to scale up vaccination, strengthen surveillance, and improve veterinary outreach.”
For millions of Afghan families who rely on livestock for income, food, and farming, halting the spread of FMD is not only a public health priority—it’s a lifeline.
The Ministry of Mines and Petroleum of Afghanistan has signed a 30-year agreement with a private company to extract marble in Daikundi province.
Under the contract, the company will invest AFN 283 million in exploring and mining marble at the “Mesh-Uliya” site, spanning 16.74 square kilometers in central Daikundi.
Hedayatullah Badri, Minister of Mines and Petroleum, stated that the marble will be processed domestically before being exported abroad. He added that the Mesh-Uliya project is expected to create around 200 jobs, and the company is committed to supporting local communities through social initiatives.
Economic experts highlight that such investments, especially those focusing on domestic processing, are crucial for job creation, boosting exports, and strengthening the national economy. Analysts further note that the project will improve local infrastructure, expand social services, and enhance the economic and social well-being of Daikundi residents.
Since the return of the Islamic Emirate to power, efforts to develop Afghanistan’s mining sector have intensified, with multiple contracts signed in areas including cement, copper, iron, and lapis lazuli, involving both domestic and international companies.
A passenger bus veered off the Salang Highway before dawn on Sunday, leaving five people dead and 44 others injured, the Ministry of Public Works said.
According to the ministry, the incident occurred at around 2:00 a.m. in the Shawol area of North Salang when a passenger bus deviated from the main road due to the driver’s negligence.
Mohammad Ashraf Haqshenas, spokesperson for the Ministry of Public Works, said five passengers were killed and 44 others sustained injuries. He added that personnel from the Salang Maintenance and Protection Directorate promptly arrived at the scene and transferred the injured to the Khunjān clinic for medical treatment.
The Ministry of Public Works has urged drivers and passengers traveling on the Salang Highway to strictly follow the instructions of on-duty teams, observe traffic regulations, and carry warm clothing, food supplies, and snow chains to prevent similar incidents.
The ministry also noted that heavy snowfall and stormy weather have led to the temporary closure of the highway, while road maintenance teams are continuing snow-clearing operations.
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Major fire in Mandawi Kabul market contained, extensive losses prevented
Local shopkeepers said the fire broke out around 4 a.m.
The Ministry of Interior reported that personnel from the General Directorate of Firefighting and Emergency Response successfully prevented the further spread of a fire at Mandawi market on Kabul early Sunday morning.
Abdul Mateen Qani, spokesperson for the ministry, said that the fire destroyed 10 storage facilities and 8 shops. He added that initial losses are estimated at around $700,000, but timely action by firefighting personnel saved property worth approximately $2.2 million.
Qani explained that the fire was caused by an electrical short circuit. He praised the rapid and effective containment operations, which prevented more extensive damage.
Local shopkeepers said the fire broke out around 4 a.m.
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