Citing earlier work from 2007, they estimated anthrax spores remain viable in the permafrost for 105 years. For one, anthrax bacteria are hardy microbe. To the south of Yamal, anthrax may rarely appear when infection spreads from cattle; a man died from such exposure in 2012, the Siberian Times reported. For the first time since 1941, anthrax struck western Siberia. If the link between an old deer corpse and a new outbreak is confirmed, it will solidify concerns about anthrax some scientists have harbored for years.

Source: Washington Post July 28, 2016 11:13 UTC