Brucellosis in Gegharkunik Province: The Disease Detected in Humans as Well

The National Center for Disease Control and Prevention reported that cases of brucellosis have been recorded in the village of Chkalovka in Gegharkunik Province, according to the results of expert examinations. Infected animals were subjected to mandatory slaughter under the supervision of veterinary inspectors, followed by disinfection.

MediaHub contacted the administrative head of Chkalovka, Vahram Karapetyan, who noted that this situation is not limited to their village but that brucellosis has become more active throughout Armenia.

“Brucellosis has always existed and will always be here. In 2025, only one laboratory examination was conducted, which resulted in the identification of brucellosis in 46 out of 219 cattle in April, leading to mandatory slaughter. The percentage is significant, around 22% for large cattle, while for small cattle, it stands at 27-28%. Among small cattle, brucellosis was detected in 81 out of 397 examined animals, leading to mandatory slaughter,” stated the community head.

According to him, a secondary examination is necessary. Despite the fact that examinations in Armenia are planned, the community head has sent a letter to the Minister of Economy, Gevorg Papoyan, requesting that a secondary inspection be carried out in the community without waiting for the planned autumn examinations.

“The first examination was conducted from April 8 to 12, and the last slaughter took place on May 6. The Ministry of Health has begun collecting samples from people for laboratory testing, as there is a possibility that if the disease is present in the village, it may have transmitted to humans. Inspections started on Monday, and responses will be available in a few days,” Karapetyan said.

Additionally, according to data from the National Center for Disease Control and Prevention, brucellosis was confirmed in one resident in April, and as of now, two citizens have been diagnosed with the disease in May.