YELENA KUZNETSOVA, 32, DESIGNER

We really have nothing to fear from this anthrax scare because it's happening so far away. The panic in the United States right now is exaggerated, because, most likely, the anthrax attack is a limited threat to a strong country like America. The United States has never really had a visible, actual threat on its own territory, so the appearance of anthrax there has caused quite a bit of terror. We, the Russians, are used to accidents and violent terrorism, but this is the first time for the Americans on such a scale.

OLGA RASHKOVSKAYA, 40, MANAGER

I don't think that anthrax is a real threat to us. Russia has a lot of experience fighting such epidemics. If any real cases of anthrax do develop in Russia, our medical authorities can provide enough vaccine to combat it. The American media have overdramatized and exaggerated the anthrax threat there. Now Americans are starting to fear everything. If there's a flu epidemic, they'll get scared, thinking it might be anthrax.

NATALIA VEPRINTSEVA, 66, PUBLIC WORKER

I wouldn't underestimate the anthrax threat. Even though we're so far away, the threat is real, so our medical services should take action to prevent any potential problems. Still, I don't think it's time to panic, like what's happening in America with just a few cases of anthrax. I hope there are specialists in Russia who are ready to handle any situation that might occur here and not let it become a crisis. I trust our medical workers.

YEVGENY LOGINOV, 19, STUDENT

Certainly, medical officials should take some action against even the possible outbreak of anthrax in Russia. We shouldn't wait for panic to set in, like it has in America. We need serious and effective preventive measures against any introduction of anthrax in Russia. We need additional border controls and any other strict measures that would be effective. We need to be prepared for any letters with anthrax that might come from abroad.

PAVEL UTENKOV, 16, STUDENT

Russia does not need to be afraid of an anthrax breakout. We are so far away from America. I don't even think the government should take any specific actions, such as vaccination. Personally, if I notice that a letter I have received comes from someone I don't know, I just throw it away.

VLADIMIR VASILENKO, 52, WORKER

I hope anthrax will not become a problem in Russia. We have enough troubles without adding anthrax to it all. If anthrax does somehow make it into Russia, it would be quite difficult for us, because we probably don't have enough vaccine for the entire population. It could be difficult to get the vaccine to everyone who might need it. I just hope and pray that the disease won't get us.