YEREVAN. – Anthrax has not become an epidemic in Armenia, First Deputy Agriculture Minister Grisha Baghyan stated during a pres conference on Wednesday.  

Reflecting on the recent emergence of anthrax in Vardenis district of the Gegharkunik Region, he noted that one of the suspected cases was confirmed, as a person with the symptoms of anthrax was hospitalized.

“The skin form [of anthrax] was noticed among the [hospitalized] people, which [that is, the skin form] is not perilous and is subject to rapid treatment. The Agriculture Ministry carries out vaccination of animals every year. Such vaccination was conducted this year [as well], but the animals had caught two viruses, [and] therefore, and due to a weakening immune system, some animals were infected with anthrax,” Baghyan said.          

He noted that everything is normal, at present. “A criminal case has been filed and the guilty will be punished with respect to the shortcomings during vaccinations,” the Deputy Minister assured.   

Grisha Baghyan added that the meat is inspected on a daily basis at all locations in Armenia where it is sold, and the suspicious meat is tested at laboratories.