Ukrainian Intelligence: Russia creating conditions for anthrax spread in Kherson region by disposing of infected animal carcasses

Defence Intelligence of Ukraine claims that Russian occupation authorities are creating conditions that could facilitate the spread of anthrax in the occupied part of Kherson region by transporting and burying infected animal carcasses.

According to DI, infected animals are being disposed of in violation of sanitary regulations. Instead of being incinerated, the carcasses are buried. Some of the burial sites are located near populated areas and highways, while others are situated less than one kilometer from residential settlements.

Most of these livestock burial sites reportedly lack proper fencing or other protective infrastructure. DI says the occupation administration is failing to carry out the necessary maintenance of the burial grounds, increasing the risk of the pathogen spreading.

Some burial sites are located in areas with high groundwater levels. Intelligence officials note that anthrax spores can remain viable in soil for decades.

DI warns that such practices could lead to contamination of soil and healthy livestock and pose a threat to residents of the occupied territories. Ukrainian intelligence also does not rule out the possibility that Russia could use the situation surrounding the burial sites for information provocations and attempts to accuse Ukraine of using so-called “biological weapons.”

Anthrax is a serious infectious disease caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis. The disease most commonly affects herbivorous animals but can also be transmitted to humans through contact with infected animals, contaminated animal products, or soil containing bacterial spores.

The last officially recorded human case of anthrax in Ukraine was reported in Odesa region in 2020. More recent cases have been detected among animals, including an outbreak in Kyiv region in 2022.