Rospotrebnadzor following anthrax situation in Kazakhstan

MOSCOW. July 9 (Interfax) - Russia's consumer wellbeing watchdog Rospotrebnadzor is following the situation in Kazakhstan where a quarantine was imposed in two settlements over an outbreak of anthrax, the region where the disease was registered does not border Russia, therefore, an epidemic threat is ruled out.

"The Akmola region of Kazakhstan does not border on the Russian Federation, an epidemic threat is ruled out," the watchdog press service told reporters.

A quarantine has been imposed in two settlements of the Atbasar district of the Akmola region of Kazakhstan due to an outbreak of anthrax after 10 heads of cattle became sick. Seven cases of anthrax among humans have also been registered.

"The infection occurred as a result of contact with farm animals during their slaughter and pasture. According to the Kazakh sanitary-epidemiological service, the sick cattle and the potentially infected meat products have been seized and destroyed, the necessary anti-epidemic measures have been taken," the watchdog said.

Rospotrebnadzor said its specialists are constantly monitoring the epidemiological situation in the world. Sanitary-quarantine control using the Perimeter system has been implemented at all crossing points to prevent the import into Russia of dangerous infectious diseases.

"The situation is under Rospotrebnadzor's control," it said.