Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Recently, there has been an increase in cases of anthrax infection among animals in neighboring countries, especially Tajikistan and Kazakhstan. Reports have also emerged of human infections: two settlements in Kazakhstan have been placed under quarantine following the confirmation of the disease in seven people.

Farhod Kurbonbekov, Head of the Epidemiology and Particularly Dangerous Infectious Diseases Department at the Committee for Sanitary and Epidemiological Well-being and Public Health, spoke about the measures Uzbekistan is taking to prevent the spread of this infection.

Anthrax is a dangerous infectious disease caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis, most commonly transmitted from animals to humans. The disease is classified as a particularly dangerous infection and is characterized by systemic intoxication, fever, and lesions affecting the skin, lungs, and intestines. All types of domestic and wild animals, as well as humans, are susceptible to the disease.

Human infection primarily occurs during the care of sick animals, during slaughter and butchering without veterinary supervision, or through the consumption of inadequately cooked meat. Infection can also happen through products made from the hides of animals that died from anthrax. It is important to note that meat boiled at 100 degrees Celsius can still be dangerous; only thoroughly well-done meat with no pink areas inside is considered safe.

In the vast majority of cases (98–99%), the disease manifests in a cutaneous form, which, if treated promptly, passes without consequences. However, there are more severe forms of anthrax — septicemic, intestinal, and pulmonary — which are extremely serious and often fatal.

According to Farhod Kurbonbekov, Uzbekistan has established all necessary conditions for rapid diagnosis and treatment at the slightest suspicion of the disease. Soil samples are regularly taken and laboratory tests conducted in potentially dangerous areas. Additionally, thorough checks of citizens are carried out at 55 border checkpoints.

“All necessary measures are being taken to prevent the infection from entering the country,” the specialist emphasized.

The cutaneous form of anthrax is characterized by the following symptoms:

• absence of pain in the ulcer if there is no secondary infection,
• formation of a black scab resembling coal on the ulcer surface,
• redness and swelling around the affected area, inflammation of nearby lymph nodes,
• appearance of blister-like eruptions around the ulcer.

These ulcers most often appear on exposed parts of the body — hands, feet, face, neck. If such symptoms occur, immediate medical attention is required, as attempts to remove the black scab on one’s own can lead to the development of the septicemic form, which often results in death.

If the ulcer appears after contact with infected animals (during slaughter, skinning, or butchering), urgent medical care is essential.

• To prevent the disease, it is crucial to follow these measures:
• Annual mandatory vaccination of domestic animals against anthrax under the supervision of veterinary specialists;
• A ban on home slaughtering of livestock — slaughter must be performed only at specialized facilities under veterinary supervision; if urgent slaughter of a sick animal is necessary, it must be done exclusively with veterinary involvement;
• The sale and distribution of meat, hides, heads, and internal organs without veterinary certification is prohibited;
• Slaughtering animals suspected of having anthrax is strictly forbidden, and carcasses must be destroyed by burning;
• Avoid purchasing meat from private individuals or unofficial markets; buy only from stores and official markets where products are inspected and guaranteed safe.

“If a person involved in slaughtering develops an ulcer on their hand or other body part within a week, they must urgently seek medical help. Self-treatment is dangerous and can lead to serious consequences,” the committee stressed.