Move FM Global News

ZAGREB, Croatia: Croatian authorities have said that anthrax has been diagnosed in dozens of cattle found dead in a nature park southeast of the Croatian capital of Zagreb.

The Ministry of Agriculture said authorities tested the animal carcasses after reports that some cattle had developed neurological symptoms prior to dying.

Officials said measures were being taken to contain the outbreak in Lonjsko Polje, a flood plain by the Sava River known for its unique environment, it added.

According to state-run HRT television, 107 cattle have died in the past two weeks, while four people also have been hospitalized with light, skin-related symptoms.

“We can say that the case is under complete control and there is no room for panic,” said local public health official Inoslav Brkic, according to the Associated Press.

Anthrax is caused by bacterial spores that can lie dormant in the ground until they are activated by heavy rain, flooding or drought, causing the deaths of many animals over a short time, with those infected falling dead after no apparent illness.

Some 95 percent of all human cases of anthrax result from skin contact with infected animals, but the disease rarely spreads to humans and almost never is transmitted person-to-person.

While anthrax can be treated with antibiotics in humans, it can be fatal if left untreated.