An outbreak of anthrax could occur in the occupied Kherson region

In the temporarily occupied territory of the Kherson region, Russian invaders are creating conditions conducive to the possible spread of anthrax.

This was reported by the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine.

According to Ukrainian intelligence, the occupying authorities are transporting the carcasses of livestock infected with anthrax to animal burial sites in the occupied part of the region. In total, there are up to fifty such sites in the Kherson region, with about ten of them posing the greatest threat. Specifically, these include animal burial sites near Askania-Nova, Skadovsk, and Zalizny Port.

The Main Intelligence Directorate (GUR) asserts that infected animals are being buried without complying with the necessary sanitary requirements. Instead of incinerating the carcasses, they are simply buried in the ground, and many burial sites are in a state of disrepair and located near populated areas and roads.

According to intelligence reports, most of these burial sites lack adequate protection, fencing, or special structures to prevent the spread of dangerous pathogens. In addition, some of these sites are located in areas with high groundwater levels, which could contribute to environmental contamination.

The Main Intelligence Directorate (GUR) noted that the anthrax pathogen can remain viable in the soil for decades, and the uncontrolled burial of infected livestock poses a threat to both local residents and the agricultural sector of the Kherson region.

Ukrainian intelligence also does not rule out that the Russian side may exploit the situation to carry out information provocations, followed by attempts to accuse Ukraine of allegedly using or developing “biological weapons.”

The Main Intelligence Directorate (GUR) called such actions by the Russian occupation administration yet another crime against the civilian population and emphasized that intentionally or negligently creating conditions for the outbreak of dangerous diseases could be regarded as an act of biological terrorism.

Андрій Колісніченко