Rosselkhoznadzor head Sergei Dankvert called for increased oversight of private farms.

The day before, the head of the agency participated in a meeting of the Public Council under the Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance (Rosselkhoznadzor), during which issues related to improving legislation regarding liability for violations during the movement of farm animals and animal products were discussed.

"In any case, one thing must be understood: the operation of private farms is not regulated in any way," the publication quotes Sergei Dankvert. The head of the service noted existing positive international experience in this regard. In his opinion, identifying animals on private farms, keeping records of their numbers in the Rosselkhoznadzor information systems , and enabling inspections (currently lacking) will reduce the risks of the spread of viral diseases and the supply of substandard raw materials to the food service industry .

"Animal identification is mandatory for all private farms. Furthermore, the movement of animals from private farms requires electronic veterinary accompanying documents in the Mercury Federal State Information System and private farm regulations. Then we will at least somehow regulate this area," the agency head believes. Catering establishments should also be registered in Rosselkhoznadzor's systems so that it is clear what products they receive and from which companies.

Also, according to the head of the service, it is necessary to limit the possibilities of insurance and subsidies if the farm and its livestock are not registered in the department's electronic systems.

"If farms with unregistered animals receive subsidies , it's essentially impossible to determine whether these subsidies were provided in accordance with the law. And illegal movement occurs because animals on private farms are not properly identified. Therefore, whether we like it or not, stricter legislation is necessary," concluded Sergei Dankvert.