BISHKEK, August 6 (RIA Novosti) - The town Aksy in southern Kyrgyzstan, along with the surrounding district, has been quarantined following an anthrax outbreak that has infected at least five people, the country's health ministry said.

The disease spread after meat from an infected cow that had been slaughtered without a veterinary inspection was sold to locals, the ministry's press service told RIA Novosti.

"According to data from the national center for dangerous infections, anthrax infection has been confirmed for five residents of the Aksy district following tests," the press service said. All of them are currently in a satisfactory condition.

Another 12 patients, who had come into contact with the infected people, are being examined and are receiving prophylactic treatment.

Anthrax affects both wild mammals and domestic cattle that ingest or inhale the bacterial spores while grazing. Humans can contract the disease if they are exposed to the blood or tissue of infected animals. It can be highly lethal, but in some forms responds well to antibiotic treatment.