In the occupied Kherson region, the Russians are creating risks of the spread of anthrax

Carcasses of livestock infected with anthrax are being transported to the occupied territory and placed in animal burial sites without complying with sanitary requirements. In particular, the animal remains are not incinerated but simply buried.

Intelligence reports indicate that there are up to 50 animal burial sites in the region, of which about ten pose the greatest threat, particularly near Askania-Nova, Skadovsk, and Zalizny Port.

According to the Main Intelligence Directorate, some of these sites are located:

• less than 1 km from residential areas;
• without fences or protective structures;
• in a state of disrepair.

Additionally, some cattle burial sites are located in areas with high groundwater levels, which increases the risk of infection spreading. The anthrax pathogen can remain in the soil for anywhere from several decades to a hundred years.

The Main Intelligence Directorate emphasizes that the situation poses a serious threat.

“The uncontrolled burial of infected livestock and the Russian occupiers’ disregard for safety measures at livestock burial sites — poses a direct threat to the civilian population in the temporarily occupied territories, as well as to the agricultural sector of the Kherson region—due to the increased risk of soil contamination and infection of healthy animals,” the statement reads.

“It cannot be ruled out that Russia may use animal burial sites to carry out a subversive operation under a false flag,” which, in addition to a kinetic impact on areas where sources of anthrax are concentrated, would also include an information and propaganda component — for example, accusing Ukraine of manufacturing or using so-called ‘biological’ weapons,” the GUR reported.