Assessment of socio-behavioural correlates and risk perceptions regarding anthrax disease in tribal communities of Odisha, Eastern India

Abstract

Background This study is a baseline survey to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices with regards to the anthrax disease among the communities before demonstrating a One Health approach for elimination of human anthrax in an endemic district of Odisha. A total of 2670 respondents from 112 villages of 14 blocks were interviewed for the study using a structured questionnaire by multi-stage sampling method. Descriptive statistics were reported and logistic regression was performed to estimate the relationship between the variables and knowledge of anthrax. Result Out of 2670 participants in the study, 76.25% were male and about half were illiterate. Most of the respondents (54.19%) were involved in agriculture as an occupation. 71% of the respondents had livestock in their houses and farming was the main purpose for keeping the livestock. Only one-fifth of the respondents (20.26%) knew about anthrax and a majority of them have come across the disease during community outbreaks. Almost 25.9% of livestock owners had knowledge about vaccination against anthrax disease although 83.4% of the livestock owners disposed the animal carcass by burial method. Conclusion The study findings indicated that the community members had poor knowledge of cause, symptoms, transmission and prevention of anthrax disease which may be improved by a One Health approach.

Anthrax outbreak in Odisha, India: past, present, and future

“…Furthermore, about 22% of the total population of the state comprises indigenous tribal communities which occupy hilly terrains 5 . Moreover, various tribal practises, such as handling deskinned animal carcasses and reduced access to vaccination and medications, result in a higher incidence of Anthrax among such communities 6 . Furthermore, the poor financial conditions of these communities increase their dependence on dead animals as a food source, making them more vulnerable to exposure to anthrax 5 .…”

“…Reportedly, a lack of training, accessibility, and poor adherence to protocol in medical laboratories in endemic districts, results in compromised management of the disease 5 . As these communities rely heavily on forests for their needs, they act as ‘vector bridges’ 7 for a spectrum of diseases, especially for the transmission of B. anthracis spores from animals to humans, leading to zoonosis 6 . Cutaneous anthrax is most commonly observed in Odisha, which manifests as a cluster of blisters, swelling, skin sores, ulcers with black centres, lesions, and oedema 6 .…”

“…Educating communities about the risks and caveats associated with the consumption of dead animals and the distribution of dead carcasses will prove beneficial in preventing future outbreaks. Furthermore, periodic community engagement coupled with vaccination of livestock against anthrax will also protect people engaged in animal husbandry 5 , 6 . Prevention of exposure, pre-exposure therapy, early detection, and rapid response are essential for proper management of the disease.…”