Errors in the livestock accounting system in Kazakhstan have decreased by 98.9% following the introduction of new data control mechanisms. The changes were implemented following the results of a state audit and also affected phytosanitary standards and the infrastructure of slaughterhouses.
WHAT THE STATE AUDIT REVEALED
According to the Supreme Audit Chamber (SAC), following the state audit in 2025, the government was recommended to conduct an inventory of data in the "Livestock Identifier" system. The inspection revealed a significant number of outdated and erroneous records.
Format-logical control based on animal age — older than 15 years — was implemented in the system. This reduced the number of incorrect records from more than 20,000 to 229, where data is factually confirmed. Thus, the error rate fell by 98.9%. The update also allowed for the automation of incorrect data detection.
WHY THE PHYTOSANITARY STANDARDS WERE REVIEWED
The SAC established that in 2021, the economic threshold for locust harmfulness was lowered from 5 to 3 individuals per square metre. This decision led to an increase in the area treated with insecticides and additional budget expenditures. The standards also did not comply with the existing pest monitoring and forecasting methodology.
In 2026, the standards were revised. Unified, scientifically substantiated indicators were established, and the pest monitoring and forecasting methodology was updated.
WHAT HAPPENED WITH THE SLAUGHTERHOUSES
Based on the audit results, territorial inspectorates of the Committee for Veterinary Control and Supervision of the Ministry of Agriculture were instructed to assess the condition of 667 non-functioning slaughter facilities.
The inspection showed that 592 facilities were in disrepair or destroyed. They were liquidated following owners' applications, with the data entered into the e-Agriculture system.
Meanwhile, 62 facilities were restored and received registration numbers. The highest number of restored facilities was recorded in:
- Karaganda Region — 18
- Abai Region — 9
- Pavlodar Region — 7
A further 13 facilities in the Akmola and Kyzylorda Regions are planned to resume operations.
WHAT CHANGES AFFECTED BUSINESSES
As part of implementing the SAC's directives, an order from the Minister of Agriculture of the Republic of Kazakhstan was adopted. The document aims to simplify conditions for entrepreneurs in the livestock slaughter and processing sector.
The minimum list of equipment for veterinary and sanitary inspection has been reduced from 20 to 16 items. This lowers financial costs and simplifies entry into the industry.