Croatian veterinary and health authorities are on high alert following an outbreak of anthrax in the southern part of the country. Approximately 60 cattle have died so far. The affected regions have been placed under quarantine, and emergency vaccination is underway for livestock including cattle, horses, donkeys and small ruminants.
Sudden death in ruminants
Anthrax often progresses rapidly in cattle, with fatal outcomes occurring rapidly and sometimes without overt clinical signs. Clinical signs can include staggering, tremors, respiratory distress and digestive disturbances. Post-mortem findings typically reveal bloating and bloody discharges from body orifices.
‘Anthrax zones’ implemented
Authorities have designated ‘anthrax zones’ in Split-Dalmatia County, encompassing around 20,000 cattle, small ruminants and equids. Apart from vaccination, strict measures have been imposed, including mandatory confinement of animals. Residents have been advised to avoid using grazing areas in the affected regions.
Vaccination underway
The first suspicion of an outbreak surfaced on 7 July in the village of Maovice, located in the municipality of Vrlika, some 50 kms north of Split. On 18 July, the Croatian Veterinary Institute confirmed the presence of Bacillus anthracis in samples from eight different livestock farms. Preventive livestock vaccination of all 20,000 animals commenced on Monday 21 July.
Vaccination ‘challenging’ in mountainous area
‘The vaccination campaign is complicated by the mountainous area of the outbreak, with many semi-feral and unhandled animals,’ explained Ivan Zemljak, veterinary practitioner and president of the Croatian veterinary chamber. ‘And as vaccination is prioritised for animals that can be securely restrained, this presents a significant logistical hurdle.’ The limited number of available vets means the campaign is likely to take weeks, he added.
Prophylactic treatment for in-contact persons
While no human infections have been reported, 41 in-contact persons are undergoing prophylactic antibiotic treatment, including nine veterinarians and laboratory personnel and two local veterinary technicians, as anthrax is a potentially fatal zoonosis.
‘Crucial importance of animal health visits’
‘Our veterinary colleagues in Croatia are working side-by-side with farmers under often challenging conditions to try and control this potentially fatal disease,’ reminded Volker Moser, UEVP president. ‘And it is in situations like these that we are reminded of the crucial importance of prevention and regular animal health visits – for the benefit of animal and public health.’
(photo ©Zvonimir Barisin / Pixsell)