Three cases of cutaneous Anthrax (Splenic fever, Siberian ulcer), were found in Armenia’s Lori Province on October 4.

A subsequent investigation by specialists from the Ministry of Health turned up another eight infected individuals.

The highly infectious animal disease (especially cattle and sheep) can be transmitted to humans through contact with contaminated animal substances, such as hair, feces, or hides, and is characterized by ulcerative skin lesions.

All have been hospitalized and are said to not be in a life threatening situation.

Ministry officials say the probable cause of the infection was from the consumption of diseased meat, some of which is reported to have been sent to Gyumri. There, four individuals suspected of having been infected were found and hospitalized.

Laboratory testing continues on meat that has been confiscated.