







































Georgian Geographical Journal 

 

 Mapping of Zoonotic Diseases in South 

Caucasus 
Tamar Chichinadze1,* , Zaza Gulashvili1 , 

 Nikoloz Suknidze1  Nana Bolashvili1  
1 TSU, Vakhushti Bagrationi Institute of Geography, Tbilisi, Georgia 
* Corresponding author: tamar.chichinadze@tsu.ge 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Introduction 

The study area is the South Caucasus, located between the Black and Caspian Seas. The South 

Caucasus is bordered by the Russian Federation to the north, the Caspian Sea to the east, Iran and 

Turkey to the south, and the Black Sea to the west. Politically, it includes three independent states - 

Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia (Maruashvili, 1978). 

There is a lot of different nature in the South Caucasus because of its location: it covers 190,000 km², 

its hypsometric height (the absolute height of the surface ranges from -28 m above the Caspian Sea to 

5,208 m in Shkhara, Georgia) and its position on the border between temperate and subtropical climate 

zones (because it is mostly mountainous, it is also known as altitudinal climate zonality). 

High mountains and plateaus occupy more than half of the South Caucasus' territory. The main 

orographic units are the Caucasus, the Transcaucasian Plain, the Lesser Caucasus, the Talysh 

Mountains, and the volcanic mountains of the South Caucasus. This geographical feature of the region 

shapes the natural diversity of the South Caucasus, which encompasses almost all natural landscape 

types. These are: desert landscapes; semi-desert landscapes; dry steppes; moderately dry steppes; wet 

steppes; humid subtropics; subtropical forest landscapes; mountain forest landscapes; mountain-steppe 

landscapes; and glacial-nival landscapes (Ukleba et al., 1970). 

Due to the diversity of nature, the region often encounters various infectious and pathological diseases. 

Each geographical variable has a great influence on the activation of various infections (climate types) 

and their spread (runoffs, insects, ticks, rodents, and ungulates). The habitat of the bacteria causing the 

infection can be a specific type of soil, etc. 

Methods and Materials 

We created about fifty thematic maps to determine the relationship between infection and geographic 

variables. 

First, data from seven zoonotic diseases was processed in Excel: infection in animals, infection in 

humans, ticks, and disease outbreak files, followed by a link to them in the ArcGIS program. Files of 

fleas, rodents, and ungulates, which contribute to the transmission and spread of diseases, were also 

processed (Malania, et al., 2014; Kracalik, et al., 2013). In the article, we will talk about only a few 

variables. 

Georgian Geographical Journal, 2024, 4(2) 66-74 

© The Author(s) 2024 

 
This article is an open access article distributed under 

the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons 

Attribution (CC BY) license (https:// 

creativecommons.org/licenses/by/ 4.0/). 

DOI: 

https://journals.4science.ge/index.php/GGJ 

Abstract 

The presented article relates to geographical studies of the distribution of 

seven rare animal infections in the South Caucasus, digital mapping and 

geographic and cartographic analysis. The study focuses on mapping 

infections that are transmitted from animal to animal, from animal to human, 

and rarely from human to human. All diseases have a cause of spread 

(bacteria, insects, ticks, fleas) or transmission (mammals, rodents). 

Sometimes the provoking factor of disease and infection is a geographical 

variable favorable for bacteria (high temperature, humidity, flood, wind, 

runoff), favorable for bacteria (soil type, acidity or chemical composition of 

the soil, orography, perspective, landscape), etc. This article focuses on the 

process and methodology of digital mapping as digital mapping establishes 

the relationship between geographic variables and the spread of infections. 

Digital maps are also the main means of conducting dynamic research, 

analysis and further forecasting. 

Keywords: Mapping, Geodata, Infection, Cartography, GIS Analysis 

Citation: Chichinadze, T.; Gulashvili, Z.; 
Suknidze, N.; Bolashvili, N. Mapping of 

Zoonotic Diseases in South Caucasus. 

Georgian Geographical Journal 2024, 4(2). 
66-74 

https://doi.org/10.52340/ggj.2024.04.02.08 

 



Chichinadze et al. 2024 4(2) 

67 
 

We created digital maps, conducted analysis in ArcGIS and ArcGIS Pro, and processed the atlas 

design in Adobe Illustrator. 

Results 

During the research process, it is important to prepare a general geographical basis for the study area. 

The general geographical basis of the South Caucasus was prepared in the ArcGIS at a scale of 

1:100.000, however, since the publication of an atlas is planned, a cartographic generalization was made 

for A3 format. An important stage was the establishment of standards for general elements of the map, 

hydrographic network, and sorting of roads; The density of settlements was determined according to 

population census data and others (using digital maps). For maps prepared for publication, the width of 

lines, size of signs, colour, and others were determined for the above objects in accordance with the 

scale (Fig. 1, 2). 

 

It is known that soil is a reservoir for a variety of microorganisms—including bacteria, fungi, 

protozoa, and viruses—that can be pathogenic to humans and animals. Human and animal pathogens in 

soil can be categorized into four broad groups that reflect their degree of residency in soil: permanent, 

periodic, transient, and incidental (Bultman & Fisher, 2013). Permanent pathogens are soil inhabitants 

that spend their entire life cycle in soil and sometimes become infectious for humans and animals. 

Examples include organisms such as Clostridium botulinum or Clostridium tetani, which produce 

neurotoxins when ingested in contaminated food or through contaminated wounds, respectively. Many 

zoonotic pathogens also either live in soil or their vectors live or spend part of their life cycle in soil 

(Stefan et al., 2020). Periodic pathogens are soil organisms that require the soil environment to complete 

part of their life cycle. For example, Bacillus anthracis, the causative agent for anthrax in humans or 

livestock, is often found in soils and can survive for long periods as endospores (Dragon & Rennie, 

1995). 

 

 

Figure 1. General hydrographic? basis of the South Caucasus 



Chichinadze et al. 2024 4(2) 

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It is known that in order to analyze the spread of anthrax, it is important to study soil types (Fig. 3) 

and soil-forming rocks. To do this, we used a soil map of Georgia at a scale of 1:500,000 and determined 

the following parameters in the databases: soil pH, soil chemical elements, moisture index, etc. 

(Agrokavkaz, 2024; Matchavariani, 2012). We placed anthrax outbreaks on a digital soil pH map and 

calculated the frequency (Fig. 4). 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

Figure 3. Soil type, important soil parameter, ArcGIS 

Figure 2. The general geographic basis of the South Caucasus 



Chichinadze et al. 2024 4(2) 

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Research has shown that the main foci of anthrax and high levels of intensity were observed mainly 

where the following type of soil with its own characteristics was observed: 1) Alluvial calcareous: Soil 

texture - Heavy loam, soil organic matter content 3,18 %, soil pH - 6,2, average base saturation 

20,89mg, average calcium carbonate concentration 2,9%, "soil salinity (EC in microelements/cm)" 

115,4, Fe in soil - 7,66%, not found here - Cu, Mn, Zn, Ni, as for Al in the soil is 15,81%, Ti – 0.55. 

Anthrax 155 foci have been identified in the distribution area of this type of soil; 2) Cinnamonic: 60 

centres of anthrax have been identified in the distribution area of this type of soil. Soil characteristics 

are Soil texture - light loam, soil organic matter of the content of 4,9%, soil pH - 7,4, average base 

saturation 23,07 mg, average calcium carbonate of concentration 7,5%, "soil salinity (EC in 

microelements/cm)" 87,0, Fe in soil - 7,99%, not found here - Cu, Mn, Zn, Ni; in this type of soil, Al 

makes up 17.07% of the total, and Ti makes up 0.57; 3) Rendzic leptosols: 51 anthrax centers have been 

found in the area where this type of soil is found. Soil characteristics are Soil texture - light loam, soil 

organic matter content 4,95%, soil pH - 7,8, average base saturation 28,1 mg, average calcium carbonate 

concentration 20,13%, "soil salinity (EC in microelements/cm)" 68,8, Fe in the soil makes up 12.72% 

of it; Cu, Mn, Zn, and Ni are not found here. Al makes up 12.75% of it, and Ti makes up 0.68. There 

are the same number of foci in yellow soils and alluvial acid soils, and then they are spread out in this 

order: eutric cambisols, chernozems, yellow podzolic gley soils, andosols. Red soils, dystric cambisols, 

mountain forest meadows, and cleysols exhibit the lowest abundance of anthrax. Eutric cambisols and 

mountains have not recorded anthrax (Chichinadze et al., 2023). 

 

 

Figure 4. Anthrax density frequency 

 

When studying zoonotic infections, we defined land use at a scale of 1:500.000. Overall, global 

research has shown that the prevalence and incidence of zoonotic diseases are increasing. This increase 

can be partly explained by changes in land use, including deforestation, urbanization and construction. 

Because after habitat destruction, animal carriers of infections move to different places (Bjornstad, 

2021). 

Our land use map databases include urban or developed land, agricultural land, grassland, forest, 

water, wetland, and barren land. We linked a map of land use to a map of anthrax outbreaks, distribution, 

and frequency. Based on the study, anthrax foci in humans are found in cities, foci in animals are found 

in agriculture, on pastures, farms, and in forests, and foci in soil are found in both urban and rural areas, 

as well as in forests (Fig. 5, 6, 7, 8). 

 



Chichinadze et al. 2024 4(2) 

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Figure 5. Land use 

 

Figure 6. Incidence and frequency of anthrax in humans and land use 

 



Chichinadze et al. 2024 4(2) 

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Figure 7. Incidence and frequency of anthrax in animals and land use 

Figure 8. Incidence and frequency of anthrax in soil and land use 

In addition to geographic variables, the movement of livestock on roads also contributes to the spread 

of the disease. For example, we compiled a map of cargo transportation routes and placed anthrax foci 

in the soil on it. These seasonal routes operate from July to October. A lot of people and places nearby 

are at risk of getting the disease right now because infected animals leave behind anthrax bacilli in their 

urine, feces, blood, and other bodily fluids (Fig. 9, 10). 



Chichinadze et al. 2024 4(2) 

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Figure 9. Livestock transport routes, density of domestic animals by municipality 

Scavenger insects that feed on the carcasses of diseased animals can also act as mechanical vectors, 

causing and spreading the disease. Anthrax bacillus makes dormant (non-vegetative) spores when it is 

exposed to free oxygen. These spores are resistant to environmental conditions and stay infectious and 

viable in soil, animal fur, water, and plants for decades. (Chichinadze et al., 2023). 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Figure 10. Cattle tracks, Small fragment, Kakheti region 

One of the main factors in the spread of infections is the geographical component – climate. In this 

regard, climate maps of the Caucasus were compiled: elements of the average daily temperature TG, 

daily minimum temperature TN, daily maximum temperature TX, and the sum of daily precipitation 

RR. Where the database is available on a regular grid of 0.1 and 0.25 degrees, we took long-term daily 

data (1965-2010) and calculated the long-term average to create the map. Since the data on this site can 

only be viewed below 45 degrees east latitude, we have supplemented the climate maps with data from 

local weather stations. There was a data grid made from the Kriging method's average temperature, 



Chichinadze et al. 2024 4(2) 

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absolute maximum, average annual temperature (calculated from daily maximums), average annual 

temperature (calculated from daily minimums), and precipitation (multi-year average calculated daily 

amounts) (Fig. 11) (Chichinadze et al., 2023). 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Figure 11. Intensity of Anthrax disease. Daily precipitation sum 

 

Conclusion 

When drawing up maps is it important: 

The process involves determining the boundaries of the study area. 

The task involves creating a large-scale map that outlines the general geographical basis of the study 

area for detailed analysis. 

For cartographic generalization, classifying elements of a general geographic map is important. 

The system should identify the specific thematic map required for a given disease and subsequently 

present the variables in the databases associated with that thematic map. 

Two things are needed to easily find the link between a thematic map and a certain disease: correlation 

for a digital map and display of the case for a printed map. 

It is necessary to update information since all data is constantly processed. 

Competing interests 

The authors declare that they have no competing interests. 

Authors’ contribution 

T.C. and Z.G. conceived of the presented idea. N.S. performed the analytical calculations. N.B. took 

the lead in writing the manuscript. All authors provided critical feedback and helped shape the research, 

analysis, and manuscript. 

Acknowledgements 

The authors thank Lile Malania from the National Center for Disease Control for their exceptional 

support in supplying the data. 

Funding 

This research has been supported by Defence Threat Reduction Agency (USA), grant 

#HDTRA11910044 “Preparation of the Atlas of Zoonotic Infections in South Caucasus” 

 

ORCID iD 

Tamar Chichinadze https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3741-3485 

Zaza Gulashvili https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9614-314X 



Chichinadze et al. 2024 4(2) 

74 
 

Nikoloz Suknidze https://orcid.org/0009-0007-1792-5260 

Nana Bolashvili https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9854-2614 

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