Mass Slaughter of Animal by Locals Contributes to Spread of Anthrax

A few days ago, the Ministry of Health reported that several residents of the Gegharkunik region's Geghahovit community were diagnosed with anthrax. According to the National Center for Food Safety of Armenia, their specialists discovered the infected animal, collected samples, and sent them for laboratory testing. It was revealed that the locals had slaughtered the animal and divided the meat among themselves.

Laboratory test results confirmed that the animal was infected with anthrax. Specialists from the food safety authority collected the meat from 34 households, as well as other available food products from refrigerators, and also found the animal's head and skin. The gathered meat and products were incinerated at a designated animal crematorium.

It is noteworthy that the disease in the animal arose because the livestock owner refused vaccination. All other animals in the Geghahovit community have been thermometrically checked and are under the supervision of specialists, with no further cases reported.