Croatian cattle are dying

By: Trademagazin Date: 2025. 07. 21. 10:01

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In Croatia, anthrax has caused a sudden death in cattle in Split-Dalmatia and Sibenik-Knin counties, and authorities have established restriction zones and started vaccinating animals, the Croatian Ministry of Agriculture announced on Monday.

The Croatian press first reported about the sudden death of cattle without visible clinical symptoms two weeks ago. The authorized veterinarian conducted an examination of the livestock and sent the carcasses of the dead cattle for further sampling to rule out the bacterial and viral origin of the disease. In a statement on Monday, the ministry recalled that anthrax is caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis, which is known to produce resistant spores that can survive in the soil for decades. The disease occurs in domestic and wild animals (cattle, sheep, goats, horses, pigs and game), but can also be transmitted to humans. In ruminants, the disease is very rapid and fatal, often without obvious symptoms. Staggering, trembling, respiratory and digestive disorders are observed in the animals. After death, the carcasses swell and bloody discharge is visible from the body openings. Infected animals are not treated. In order to curb the spread of the disease, the authorities introduce control measures: they order movement restrictions, disposal of carcasses of dead animals, cleaning and disinfection, as well as rodent control and mandatory vaccination. Anthrax is spread by consuming contaminated food (grass, hay) or by inhaling spores from the environment. Spores are formed when the bacteria come into contact with oxygen and can remain active in soil and water for years.