5,508 Cattle Treated Against Crimean-Congo Fever – National Food Agency Issues Prevention Guidelines
The National Food Agency is implementing targeted measures in areas where human cases of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) have been reported.
Over 80% of infections are recorded in the Samtskhe-Javakheti region. In response, veterinarians from the Agency’s Samtskhe-Javakheti Regional Service are treating cattle in outbreak zones with insectoacaricides. To date, 5,508 cattle have been treated.
In parallel, the Agency is conducting an information campaign to raise awareness among farmers and local residents.
The National Food Agency urges the population to follow these recommendations to prevent infection:
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Treat animals with insectoacaricides from spring through early autumn as per guidelines.
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Wear protective clothing and closed footwear when working in fields.
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Use gloves and tweezers to remove ticks from animals.
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Seek immediate medical attention if symptoms appear.
Crimean-Congo fever is a zoonotic viral disease primarily transmitted by ticks of the Hyalomma species. While the virus affects many animal and some bird species without symptoms, it can be fatal in humans if not treated promptly.
Since 2014, the National Food Agency has been treating cattle in high-risk areas as part of its annual veterinary control program. Additionally, to combat ectoparasites, migratory animals are treated with insecticides and acaricides twice a year—during spring and autumn—at veterinary checkpoints in Kakheti, Kvemo Kartli, and Mtskheta-Mtianeti.