Ukraine accuses Russia of creating conditions for the spread of anthrax

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Europe<br>Ukraine accuses Russia of creating conditions for the spread of anthrax

Robert Herriman<br>Jul 06, 2026

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Ukranian officials are reporting that Russia is deliberately creating conditions for the spread of anthrax in the temporarily occupied areas of the Kherson region.<br>According to the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine (DIU), Russia is transporting the carcasses of Siberian cattle infected with anthrax to burial sites in the occupied region. There are up to 50 such burial sites in the occupied part of the Kherson region, with around 10 considered particularly dangerous, including those near the settlements of Askania-Nova, Skadovsk, and Zaliznyi Port.

If you like the reporting on Outbreak News Today, please consider a paid subscription for $5/month or $30 a year. Help support the cause of this niche journalism. It is appreciated.<br>The Russians are disposing of infected animals without complying with any sanitary standards, according to DIU. Instead of being properly incinerated, infected livestock carcasses are simply buried. Many of these sites are in extremely neglected condition and are located near roads and settlements — in some cases, less than 1 kilometer from residential areas.<br>Anthrax infections and it’s dark bioterrorism history<br>The burial grounds containing infected livestock lack secure fencing and other protective structures. Over time, the soil covering the graves subsides; however, the Russian occupation authorities have failed to carry out the maintenance required to ensure biological safety.<br>Some of these sites are located in areas with high groundwater levels, further increasing the risk of anthrax spreading. The pathogen can remain viable in soil for decades or even a century.<br>Bioterrorism: A history, the agents and more<br>Outbreak News Today is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

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