200 Animals Culled Due to Brucellosis Since the Beginning of the Year; Officials Assure No Epidemic

In the consolidated community of Yeghegis in the Vayots Dzor region, 23 head of cattle and 173 small livestock have been culled due to brucellosis over the past four months, totaling around 200 animals. Community leader Arthur Stepanyan reported this to Sputnik Armenia.

The issue surfaced in February. The last blood sampling from the animals was conducted on June 16, and the results are still unknown. “We are currently taking steps to contain the disease,” he stated.

The community leader assured that despite the widespread nature of the disease, there is no epidemic in the region.

The head of the Vayots Dzor Agriculture and Environmental Protection Department, Gegham Margaryan, noted that the cause of the disease's emergence and spread is the uncontrolled situation in the livestock market. He stated that sellers are required to present two documents: a community certificate indicating animal ownership and a veterinary certificate showing their health status. “There is neglect in our market, and no one is monitoring whether the animals are healthy or if they are stolen or rightfully belong to the seller,” he said.

When asked if the Ministry of Economy is aware of the situation and what measures are being taken, we contacted the ministry. Anna Ohanjan, the press secretary of the Minister of Economy, responded that they are aware of the issue. This year, 1.5 billion drams have already been allocated from state funds for the vaccination, research, and veterinary services for animals.

It is worth noting that the symptoms of the disease include high fever, excessive sweating, weakness, loss of appetite, headache, and chills. Notably, the brucellosis pathogen is destroyed when boiled, meaning, for example, that boiling milk for 20 minutes would eliminate the pathogen,” she said.