[Anthrax cattle burial grounds in Russia and their biosafety]

To develop standard operating procedure for assessment level of biohazard for population living near existing cattle burial grounds.

Development of standard operating procedure for assessment of biosafety of cattle burial grounds was performed on the basis of regulatory documents and regional field practical experience. Assessment of biohazard level of anthrax cattle burial grounds was performed in 5 regions choosen on the basis of certain criteria. Total number of samples taken was 762.

Rating of federal districts according to number of permanently problematic on anthrax places was composed. It was determined that maximal number of permanently problematic on anthrax places was active during time period until 1950. Agent of anthrax was not detected in studied samples either as spores or vegetative forms and soil was categorized as "clean" on all indicators.

It was determined that conditions of burial of cattle fallen due to anthrax and their maintenance rules are followed in 5 places. All cattle burial grounds are located inside towns' borders or adjoin to areas of existing or planned apartment blocks.