Strengthening human and animal health in Armenia
Brucellosis is a widespread disease in Armenia and one that has a significant impact upon human and animal health, as well as the country’s economy and international trade capabilities. By producing and implementing a new National Brucellosis Control Strategy, the project aimed to reduce the effects of the disease upon animal and human health and strengthen the capacities of stakeholders (animal owners, veterinarians and government officials at all levels) to manage and eventually eradicate the disease.
What did the project do
The project strengthened Armenia’s veterinary services. This was achieved through recommendations for a National Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of Brucellosis, vaccination campaigns and other initiatives such as surveys and cost-benefit analysis. Veterinarians and other stakeholders gained up-to-date knowledge on modern methodologies for controlling brucellosis in animals and strategies aimed to eliminate/eradicate the disease.he project also provided assistance with outbreaks of the disease in Armenia, which allowed government and veterinary officials to learn crucial techniques, amid a real health crisis, for stemming the spread of the disease and dealing with its effects.Impact
The newly acquired knowledge and techniques among stakeholders will not only favour the national health framework in Armenia in the future, but has also stemmed the economic losses that were recorded from insufficient response to and management of brucellosis in the country. As a result of the project’s interventions, the economic and food value of animals in the country has been greatly strengthened.Activities
- Four vaccination campaigns in 109 communities of Syunik Marz were implemented. A total of 40 534 heifer calves and 154 568 female sheep and goats were vaccinated.
- Vaccination coverage survey (780 blood samples of vaccinated small ruminants from pre-determined sites of Syunik Marz were collected) revealed 89.7 percent seropositivity among the vaccinated small ruminants indicating high level of immune response.
- Knowledge, Attitude and Practices survey implemented in Kotayk, Aragatsotn and Syunik regions and in Yerevan, with 707 participants, with a view to designing a public awareness campaign.
- Analysis of the cost of the current brucellosis control programme and development of detailed projections on the costs and benefits of alternative control strategies.
- Capacity-building provided for network of laboratories in the country.
- Public awareness campaign on brucellosis and other zoonotic diseases.
- Workshop and discussions organized with stakeholders, to boost capacities and to respond to outbreaks of the disease.
Project symbol: GCP/ARM/005/SWI
Project title: Technical and institutional support to veterinary services
Contact: Andriy Rozstalnyy (LTO Officer)
Email: [email protected]
Download PDF: http://www.fao.org/3/a-bs182e.pdf