Armenpress
GOVERNMENT OF ITALY RELEASES $770,000 TO HELP ARMENIA
FIGHT BRUCELLOSIS
YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 16, ARMENPRESS: The government of
Italy has released $770,000 to help Armenian
authorities ward off brucellosis, an infectious
disease caused by the bacteria of the genus.
Brucellosis is transmitted through consuming milk
or meat. It can also be transmitted if the spoiled
meat or the excrement of an infected animal touches an
open wound. The disease can be found in small cattle
(sheep and goats), large cattle, and pigs. The most
dangerous type, through small cattle, can be fatal.
The disease cannot be spread from human to human.
The Italian donation will be spent on the first
phase of a program designed as a support to Armenia
fight against brucellosis. It is assisted by the UN
Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). The program
was presented today by Andranik Petrosian, head of
Armenian agriculture ministry’s department for foreign
relations and marketing.
Cases of brucellosis have been on rise in Armenia
since early 1990-s. The first phase of this program is
set to be over in 2009 with a focus on three provinces
which report the highest rate of the disease.
UNDP Resident Representative and UN Resident
Coordinator in Armenia Consuelo Vidal awarded the
outgoing Italian ambassador Marco Clemente the UN FAO
medal in appreciation of his contribution to helping
Armenia overcome some of its problems.