(ORDO NEWS) — Anthrax has been confirmed in dozens of cattle found dead in a nature park southeast of the Croatian capital Zagreb, authorities said on Saturday.
Authorities carried out tests on the carcasses of the animals after reports that the cattle showed neurological symptoms, the Ministry of Agriculture said.
It stated that all measures were being taken to contain the outbreak in Lonjsko Polje, the floodplain of the Sava River, known for its unique ecology.
State television HRT reported that four people were also hospitalized with mild skin symptoms. The report says that 107 head of cattle have died in the last two weeks.
“We can say that the case is under complete control and there is no reason to panic,” said local health official Inoslav Brkic.
Anthrax is caused by bacterial spores that can lie dormant in the ground until activated by heavy rain, floods or drought.
It can cause the rapid death of a large number of animals in a short time. Infected cattle are often found dead without any signs of illness.
Anthrax rarely spreads among humans and almost never spreads from person to person. Approximately 95% of all human cases of anthrax result from skin contact with infected animals. Anthrax is treatable with antibiotics but can be fatal if left untreated.
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