The bacillus of anthrax (Bacillus anthracis) has been found in beef in eastern Hungary. Five people were admitted to the hospital for observation on suspicion of contracting anthrax, authorities said on Friday.
The anthrax bacteria were found in frozen meat from two illegally slaughtered cows on a farm in Tiszafured, approximately 160 km east of Budapest.
Anthrax is a dangerous, usually deadly, infectious disease in pets. It spreads to humans and can lead to skin, gastrointestinal and lung infections with subsequent death.
The anthrax bacteria can be used as a biological weapon and are considered to be one of the most serious bioterrorist threats. (PAP)