As part of the ‘Business Road’ project in the East Kazakhstan Region, an anti-corruption monitoring of the provision of veterinary services was carried out, which revealed systemic problems faced by entrepreneurs. This was reported by the head of the regional Anti-Corruption Department, Denis Shakenov.
According to Ratel.kz, in the Kurchum district alone, 120 cases were registered of entrepreneurs being forced to pay for services related to the disinfection treatment of livestock premises and vehicles. It is noted that such services are only mandatory in areas of epizootic outbreaks.
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For reference: an epizootic outbreak is the location of the source of an infectious agent and the surrounding area within which the spread of the disease agent is possible.
Furthermore, the department identified 52 cases where, when issuing veterinary certificates, entrepreneurs were sold additional services for vehicle disinfection.
‘In a number of cases, these services may not have been provided at all: 155 instances were recorded where paid services were listed in the register, but disinfection certificates were absent. Such unlawful actions significantly increased the cost of meat products, which ultimately affected businesses and consumers. The practice of forcing services has been stopped, and those responsible have been held to disciplinary account,’ said Shakenov.
To prevent similar violations, the department has sent a letter to the Ministry of Agriculture regarding the need to introduce a monitoring system.