Russians are creating a risk of an outbreak of anthrax in the Kherson region — Main Intelligence Directorate
This was reported by the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence.
The Main Intelligence Directorate stated that the Russians are deliberately creating conditions for the outbreak and spread of anthrax, also known as Siberian ulcer, in the occupied part of the Kherson region.
According to intelligence reports, the occupiers are transporting livestock carcasses infected with anthrax to cattle burial grounds in the occupied region.
The GUR reported that there are up to fifty cattle burial grounds in the occupied territory of the Kherson region.
According to intelligence, around ten of these sites pose the greatest threat. Among them are animal burial grounds in the areas of Askania-Nova, Skadovsk and Zalizny Port.
Intelligence sources stated that the occupiers are not adhering to sanitary standards when burying infected carcasses.
Instead of incinerating the infected carcasses, they are simply buried. Some of the animal burial sites are in a state of disrepair, lacking solid fencing and other protective structures.
Some sites are located near roads or settlements. The distance between certain animal burial sites and residential buildings is less than one kilometre.
What are the risks to people and the environment?
The Main Intelligence Directorate emphasises that the soil at the burial sites settles over time, but the occupying administration is not carrying out the necessary maintenance to ensure biosafety.
Cattle burial sites in areas with high groundwater levels pose an additional danger. This could increase the risk of the spread of the anthrax pathogen.
According to intelligence reports, the pathogen can remain viable in the soil for anywhere from several decades to a hundred years.
The Main Intelligence Directorate (GUR) suspects that the Russians may blow up the cattle burial sites where infected carcasses are currently being buried.
According to Ukrainian intelligence, the occupiers may then attempt to accuse Ukraine of manufacturing and using ‘biological’ weapons.
Intelligence sources state that the burial of infected livestock and the disregard for safety measures pose a direct threat to the civilian population and the agricultural sector of the Kherson region.
The Main Intelligence Directorate describes the deliberate or negligent creation of conditions for an outbreak of anthrax as yet another crime by the aggressor state, which could be interpreted as an act of biological terrorism against the civilian population in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine.
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