ANTHRAX SPORES ON VRLIKA SHEEP 20 YEARS OLD?

VRLIKA, Oct 25 (Hina) - Seven sheep which became ill and died of anthrax in the Dalmatia hinterland a fortnight ago may have contracted the disease while at pasture in a meadow where dead sheep were improperly buried more than 20 years ago. Veterinarians maintain this does not have to be the reason why the sheep got sick. After anthrax was found on sheep in the Vrlika area two weeks ago, the veterinarian station in Sinj inoculated all 5,000 sheep and goats, and 470 heads of cattle. The sheep which died 15 days ago were buried in line with regulations. Local residents remember that several sheep died of anthrax in the village of Podosje at the end of the 1970s. They were buried in a meadow not far from the village houses. The latest case of anthrax may or may not be linked to the improper burial of sheep 20 years ago, say veterinarians. Dr Jakov Kuljis, head of the Sinj branch of the Public Health Institute of Split-Dalmatia County, says anthrax is a natural disease and that there is no reason to panic. He emphasised no case of anthrax in humans has been registered in the area for years. (hina) ha sb