Pathology and Clinics of Naturally Occurring Low-Virulence Variants of African Swine Fever Emerged in Domestic Pigs in the South Caucasus.

Shortly after the establishment of African swine fever virus (ASFV) genotype II in 2007, cases of acute fatal infection were observed. However, after several years of circulation in the Eurasian region, the clinical signs of the disease changed. Currently, this disease can occur acutely, subclinically, chronically, or asymptomatically.

The Serological Response in Cattle following Administration of a Heterologous Sheep Pox Virus Strain Vaccine for Protection from Lumpy Skin Disease; Current Situation in Armenia.

Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is a highly infectious viral disease of cattle caused by LSD virus (LSDV), which was first reported in Armenia in late 2015. It was identified in pasture-raised cattle near the border with Iran. Currently, vaccination plays a key role in preventing further incursion of disease in high-risk areas.

Heavy Metal Contamination in an Industrially Affected River Catchment Basin: Assessment, Effects, and Mitigation.

The concentrations of some heavy metals (Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu, Mo, Pb, Cd) were measured in river waters, macrozoobenthos, and fish (Kura scrapers) from one of the most developed mining areas in Armenia, the Debed River catchment basin. In order to assess heavy metal contamination and its hydro-ecological and health effects, the macrozoobenthos quantitative and qualitative parameters, geo-accumulation index, and hazard index were determined. Microalgal extraction experiments were conducted to assess the microalgal remediation efficiency for heavy metal removal from mining wastewaters.

An integrative evaluation of suitability of a river for natural reproduction of trout of Lake Sevan (Armenia).

Endemic fish species of Armenian ichthyofauna-Sevan trout (Salmo ischchan Kessler, 1877)-is registered in the Red Book of Animals of the Republic of Armenia as "Critically Endangered" (corresponds to IUCN category: CR A2cd). Its natural reproduction hardly occurs as a result of numerous problems related to the use and management of water and bio-resources in the Lake Sevan drainage basin. Masrik River is formerly known as a spawning river for two ecological races of the Sevan trout, but there is no up-to-date and in-depth studies of its potential to support natural reproduction.

Presence and survival of African swine fever virus in leeches.

This research is focused on the study of African swine fever virus (ASFV) survival in the leech Hirudo medicinalis. To detect the infection route of the virus in leeches, two introduction methods were used: blood-feeding from infected swine hosts and exposure to ASFV-contaminated water (leeches cultivated with ASFV). This study found that the survival of ASFV in leeches was much longer than that in leech-free medium.