Due to anthrax in Croatia, public urged to be cautious

(Patria) - The Public Health Institute of the Federation of BiH announced that there is a risk of anthrax in the border areas with Croatia, and urged the public, especially in the Livno and West Herzegovina cantons, to take precautions.

- Due to the geographical proximity of the outbreak in Croatia and possible contact through livestock, trade, and movement of people, there is a certain epidemiological risk of the disease appearing in the border areas of BiH - the Institute warns.

Residents in the border areas of BiH are recommended to vaccinate their livestock against anthrax, not to move livestock towards areas affected by anthrax without veterinary approval, and to avoid shared pastures with livestock from the border areas of Croatia.

In addition, the public is advised not to open carcasses of animals that have died suddenly, but to report every case to the competent veterinarian.

- Do not buy meat and meat products from unverified locations. Adhere to basic hygiene measures if you come into contact with livestock or raw animal products, and in case of skin changes after contact with contaminated material, such as a painless black sore, consult a doctor immediately - the Institute advises.

Anthrax is an infectious disease that primarily affects herbivores - cattle, sheep, and goats, but can also be transmitted to humans who come into contact with infected animals, contaminated products, or soil containing anthrax bacillus spores.

The disease does not usually spread from animal to animal or from person to person. When anthrax spores are swallowed, inhaled, or enter the body through scratches or cuts on the skin, they can multiply and produce toxins.

Humans can become infected if they participate in the slaughter of a sick animal or are in contact with contaminated animal products, such as meat, blood, wool, hides, and bones.