NewsDesk @bactiman63

In a follow-up on the anthrax outbreak in Lonjsko Polje, Croatia, the Health Ministry reports July 18 that the number of cattle that have died from anthrax in Lonjsko polje is increasing, and the number of sick residents has also increased – now there are a total of eight.

Image/Robert Herriman

At the fire station in Osekovo, doctors examined everyone who was in contact with infected animals, and tomorrow livestock vaccination will begin. In order to prevent the spread of infection in the nature park, the movement of people and vehicles is restricted.

In the entire area of ​​Lonjsko polje, it is necessary to vaccinate all livestock against anthrax as soon as possible, said the director of the Institute for Public Health of Sisak-Moslavina County Inoslav Brkić.

Anthrax is a serious infectious disease caused by gram-positive, rod-shaped bacteria known as Bacillus anthracis. Anthrax can be found naturally in soil and commonly affects domestic and wild animals around the world. Although it is rare, people can get sick with anthrax if they come in contact with infected animals or contaminated animal products.

Cutaneous  anthrax occurs when the spore (or possibly the bacterium) enters a cut or abrasion on the skin. It starts out as a raised bump that looks like an insect bite. It then develops into a blackened lesion called an eschar that may form a scab. Lymph glands in the area may swell plus edema may be present. This form of anthrax responds well to antibiotics. If untreated, deaths can occur if the infection goes systemic. 95% of cases of anthrax are cutaneous.