Uzbekistan imposes restrictions on imports from India due to deadly Nipah virus (video)

Uzbekistan has temporarily banned the import of animals and birds from India due to concerns over the Nipah virus, the press secretary of the Customs Committee, Husan Tangriyev, reported.

According to him, based on a decision by the Chief State Veterinary Inspector of Uzbekistan, the import of live animals and birds from all regions of India is prohibited. In addition, all goods from India’s West Bengal state under veterinary control are temporarily restricted, effective from January 29, 2026.

The measure is aimed at preventing the Nipah virus from entering Uzbekistan’s territory.

The document cites data from the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) and publicly available sources, highlighting a complex epidemiological situation in West Bengal, India, linked to the spread of the Nipah virus.

Earlier reports noted a fatal case of Nipah virus near Kolkata, India. In West Bengal, five cases of infection were confirmed, three of which were recorded last week. The cases included a doctor, a nurse, and a medical facility worker.

According to Nurmat Otabekov, First Deputy Chairman of the Committee for Sanitary and Epidemiological Safety and Public Health, there have been no cases of Nipah virus infection in Uzbekistan, and the virus has not entered the country. The epidemiological situation in Uzbekistan remains stable and fully under control.