(16 February 2026 | Source: Response of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan to a request from deputies of the Senate of the Parliament)
The Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan Olzhas Bektenov presented a response to a request from Senate deputies regarding the reform of the veterinary sector. The document outlines funding parameters, changes in the distribution of functions, and adjustments to certain procurement procedures.
INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT AND BUDGET
In 2026–2027, 66.2 billion tenge has been allocated for the development of the veterinary material and technical base. It is reported that the funds will be directed towards the construction of veterinary stations, facilities with animal restraint devices (crushes), and sites for the disposal of biological waste.
It is noted that these measures continue the programme from previous years: 401 facilities were previously brought into operation and 892 units of specialist vehicles were purchased for state veterinary organisations.
REDISTRIBUTION OF DUTIES
The draft law provides for clarifying the functions of state veterinary organisations.
Responsibilities for animal identification (chipping, registration) and maintaining veterinary records are planned to be assigned to agricultural enterprises.
State bodies will retain authority over diagnostics, vaccination, and sanitary slaughter as part of efforts to combat a list of 68 particularly dangerous animal diseases.
PROCUREMENT PROCEDURES AND MANAGEMENT
The response notes that consideration is being given to eliminating the requirement for an opinion from the anti-monopoly authority when purchasing veterinary drugs. This is justified by the need for a rapid response to biological threats.
It is also proposed to return the functions of licensing and epizootiological control to the purview of central state bodies.
DIGITALISATION
The implementation of the digital modules 'quarantine – export', as well as the ISZH Mobile, TortTulik, and VetLab systems, continues. They are being integrated with financial and customs information platforms to automate data exchange.
STAFF SUPPORT
For 2027–2029, annual funding of 23.9 billion tenge has been allocated. It is reported that the funds will be directed towards increasing salaries, training specialists, and strengthening the material and technical base.
Since 2023, supplements of 35% and 50% have been in effect for employees working with pathogens of the first and second risk groups.
The government notes that the proposed measures are aimed at clarifying the distribution of powers and increasing the resilience of the veterinary system.