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Rodent infestation forces four schools in Kazakhstan to close indefinitely

A sudden rodent invasion has disrupted education for over 800 students. Authorities race to sanitize buildings—but when will classrooms reopen?

In this picture there are rats. At the bottom there is an orange and white color cloth.
In this picture there are rats. At the bottom there is an orange and white color cloth.

Rodent infestation forces four schools in Kazakhstan to close indefinitely

Two schools and two kindergartens in Beibarys, Makhambet District, have shut their doors since November 19. The closures came after a sudden rise in rodent numbers raised health concerns. Authorities acted to prevent possible epidemiological risks linked to the infestation.

The affected institutions include Baytursynuly School, with 573 pupils, and Taldykol School, with 261 students. Both have switched to remote learning until the rodent issue is resolved. Baldyrgan and Balaqai kindergartens have also suspended operations for full sanitary treatments.

Schools and kindergartens will reopen once the rodent problem is fully addressed. Until then, pupils will continue learning remotely. The disinfection work is ongoing, with no set date yet for resuming in-person classes.

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