An integrated model for anthrax-free zone development in developing countries

Md Shahjahan Ali Sarker; Md Ahosanul Haque Shahid; Md Bahanur Rahman; K H M Nazmul Hussain Nazir

doi:10.1016/j.jiph.2023.10.024

An integrated model for anthrax-free zone development in developing countries

J Infect Public Health. 2023 Dec:16 Suppl 1:141-152. doi: 10.1016/j.jiph.2023.10.024. Epub 2023 Oct 31.

Authors

Md Shahjahan Ali Sarker¹, Md Ahosanul Haque Shahid², Md Bahanur Rahman¹, K H M Nazmul Hussain Nazir³

Affiliations

¹ Department of Microbiology and Hygiene, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh 2202, Bangladesh.
² Department of Microbiology and Hygiene, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh 2202, Bangladesh; University of Hawaii at Manoa, USA.
³ Department of Microbiology and Hygiene, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh 2202, Bangladesh. Electronic address: nazir@bau.edu.bd.

PMID: 37953112
DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2023.10.024

Abstract

Anthrax is more prevalent in impoverished nations and those without veterinarian public health initiatives. A comprehensive strategy was pursued to build an anthrax-free model in which there would be no anthrax. The strategy included routine vaccination, increased public awareness, rapid confirmation, and prompt disposal, as well as the establishment of an effective surveillance system, the development of an emergency prevention system, the enforcement of regulations, and the improvement of collaboration between human health and veterinary services. From 2017 through 2020, several initiatives including both social and laboratory activities were performed. After strictly applying the study's procedures, it was determined that the vast majority of community people (97.5%) were knowledgeable of the disease's nature, prevalence, significance to public health, and treatment in the study area. The farmers' risky practices and attitudes about the killing of sick livestock decreased dramatically (85%). The vaccination rate climbed from 40% to 85%, and the proportion of farmers who can presumptively identify anthrax based on its prominent clinical symptoms rose from 30% to 85%. A confirmation methodology based on PCR was implemented. A geographical map depicting the green and dangerous pastureland was created. The formation of a steering group to assess the progress of scientific activity. Locals established a slaughterhouse in that location, where individuals slaughtered their animals following veterinary examination and strictly followed drug withdrawal period. The contaminated area has been free of anthrax infection for four years as a consequence of these efforts. There also reduction of antibiotic used due to mass awareness. The study indicated that the model is an efficient, effective, and appropriate technique for establishing an anthrax-free zone where no anthrax outbreaks would occur. It could be replicated in any part of the world where socioeconomic and geographical conditions are similar.

Keywords: Anthrax; Antibiotic; Developing countries; Livestock; Vaccination.

MeSH terms

Animals
Anthrax* / epidemiology
Anthrax* / prevention & control
Anthrax* / veterinary
Developing Countries
Disease Outbreaks / prevention & control
Humans
Livestock
Public Health