The Croatian authorities announced, on Saturday, that anthrax had been confirmed in dozens of heads of cattle that were found dead in a nature park southeast of the Croatian capital Zagreb, according to “Sky News”.
The Croatian Ministry of Agriculture said authorities had carried out tests on animal carcasses after reports of neurological symptoms in livestock.
She added that all measures have been taken to contain the outbreak in Lunesko Polje, a flood plain on the banks of the Sava River known for its unique environment.
In the context, the state-run HRT TV reported that 4 people were taken to a hospital due to mild skin-related symptoms.
The report stated that 107 heads of cattle died in the past two weeks.
“We can say that the situation is completely under control and there is no room for panic,” said local public health official Inoslav Berkic.
Anthrax outbreaks are caused by bacterial spores that can lie dormant in the ground until activated by heavy rains, floods or droughts. It can cause rapid death of a large number of animals in a short time. Infected cattle are often found dead without any disease previously detected.
Anthrax rarely spreads to humans and is almost never transmitted from person to person.
About 95 percent of all human anthrax cases come from contact with the skin of infected animals. The disease can be treated with antibiotics, but it can be fatal to humans if left untreated.