HUR: Russia dumping anthrax-infected animal carcasses across occupied Kherson, creating long-term environmental contamination risks

Ukraine’s military intelligence agency (HUR) has accused Russian occupation authorities in Kherson Oblast of creating conditions that could lead to the spread of anthrax in occupied areas of the region.

HUR described the alleged actions as either deliberate or negligent creation of conditions for a potential anthrax outbreak and said such activity could amount to an act of biological terrorism against civilians living under occupation.

In a statement on 23 June, HUR said Russian authorities are transporting carcasses of livestock infected with anthrax to animal burial sites across occupied Kherson Oblast and disposing of them without observing sanitary requirements.

HUR identifies dozens of livestock burial sites, including several considered high-risk

According to the agency, there are up to 50 livestock burial sites in the occupied region, with around 10 considered particularly dangerous. HUR identified sites near the settlements of Askania-Nova, Skadovsk, and Zaliznyi Port as among the most concerning.

The agency alleges that infected animal carcasses are being buried rather than incinerated and that many burial grounds are located near roads and populated areas. Some sites are reportedly situated less than one kilometer from residential development.

Intelligence warns poor maintenance and groundwater conditions increase contamination risks

HUR also said many of the burial locations lack protective fencing or containment infrastructure and are not being maintained by the Russian-installed occupation administration. Over time, soil above the burial pits can subside, requiring monitoring and maintenance measures that intelligence officials say are not being carried out.

Particular concern surrounds sites located in areas with high groundwater levels. Anthrax spores can remain viable in soil for decades and, in some conditions, for more than a century, increasing the risk of contamination spreading beyond burial zones.

The intelligence agency warned that improper disposal of infected livestock could pose risks to civilians living in occupied territories and to the agricultural sector in Kherson Oblast through possible contamination of soil and healthy animals.

HUR warns Russia could exploit contaminated sites in a future false-flag operation

The agency further claimed that Russia could potentially use livestock burial sites as part of a future false-flag operation, combining a physical incident at contaminated locations with information campaigns accusing Ukraine of developing or using biological weapons.