Bahrain has tightened its animal-health controls with new regulations requiring veterinarians, livestock owners and animal caretakers to report suspected cases of major diseases affecting ruminants. The rules are intended to strengthen early warning systems, speed up veterinary intervention and reduce the risk of outbreaks spreading among cattle, buffaloes, camels, sheep and goats. Issued by Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Minister Wael Al Mubarak under Decision No. 135 of 2026, the measure places direct responsibility on both treating vets and those in charge of animals to notify the relevant authority when signs of listed diseases are detected or confirmed.
Mandatory alerts
The decision sets out reporting obligations for diseases affecting both large and small ruminants. Large ruminants include cattle, buffaloes and camels, while sheep and goats fall under the small ruminant category. Some suspected infections must be reported within 24 hours, reflecting their potential impact on livestock and, in certain cases, public health.
Diseases covered
The list includes serious animal diseases such as foot-and-mouth disease, peste des petits ruminants, sheep and goat pox, lumpy skin disease, contagious bovine pleuropneumonia, anthrax, Rift Valley fever and Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever. It also covers conditions including brucellosis, tuberculosis, Q fever, surra, Johne’s disease, salmonellosis, contagious agalactia and enzootic abortion of ewes.
Rapid response system
Once a report is received, the competent department will assess the case and decide on the required control measures. Officials may investigate suspected infections, monitor epidemiological developments and take preventive action to limit transmission. The framework distinguishes between diseases needing urgent notification and those subject to regular compulsory monitoring.
Penalties for breaches
People responsible for animals who fail to comply may face penalties under Bahrain’s animal welfare laws, in addition to any other sanctions provided by applicable legislation. The decision forms part of the kingdom’s wider veterinary and disease-prevention framework and has taken effect immediately, with the agriculture under-secretary and concerned authorities tasked with implementation.