Anthrax has been found in beef in eastern Hungary, where at least five people are being monitored in hospital for suspected symptoms of the potentially deadly infection.

The Hungarian Health Authority ANTSZ said the disease was identified in frozen meat after two cows were illegally slaughtered at a farm near Tiszafured, about 160 kilometres east of the Hungarian capital Budapest.

The Hungarian authorities have said that the strain of anthrax could be cured with antibiotics if identified in time.

Attila Magyar reported from Tiszafured that ANTSZ “has told people around here that there is no chance of an epidemic”.

One Tiszafured resident told euronews: “It could appear anywhere. It could be in other meat, but hasn’t been found yet.”

“I’m not afraid of this infection,” said another local, “we don’t like beef, we don’t usually buy any.”