24 October 2012, 22:00
Source of anthrax found in Armenia
The source of anthrax infection in the Gegarkunik Region of Armenia was the meat of slaughtered farm animal in one of the yards of the Tsovak community. This was reported by Ovannes Mkrtchyan, Chief of State Veterinary Inspection of the Food Safety Service of the Armenian Ministry of Agriculture.
According to the Minister, the source of infection has been focused almost 90 percent. "It is in the pastures, located 30 km from the Tsovak community. There, people keep cattle in the mountains, and it is possible that the infection has started from there. We took land samples, and diagnostic work is underway," Ovannes Mkrtchyan said.
The specialist has noted that the first patient was infected with anthrax from a sick animal during slaughtering.
According to Ovannes Mkrtchyan, during the search for the source of infection, they had to overcome obstacles, created by local residents. However, according to the specialist, all infected meat was found and burned, and the place of burning was disinfected, the "Radio" Liberty" reports.
According to the Chief of State Veterinary Inspection, during the reporting period, they have revealed more than 20 cases, when meat was offered for sale without the required documents, and after verification, the meat was seized, when necessary, the "A1 +" TV Channel reports.