Climatic Factors Influencing the Anthrax Outbreak of 2016 in Siberia, Russia

Abstract

In 2016, an outbreak of anthrax killing thousands of reindeer and affecting dozens of humans occurred on the Yamal peninsula, Northwest Siberia, after 70 years of epidemiological situation without outbreaks. The trigger of the outbreak has been ascribed to the activation of spores due to permafrost thaw that was accelerated during the summer heat wave. The focus of our study is on the dynamics of local environmental factors in connection with the observed anthrax revival. We show that permafrost was thawing rapidly for already 6 years before the outbreak. During 2011–2016, relatively warm years were followed by cold years with a thick snow cover, preventing freezing of the soil. Furthermore, the spread of anthrax was likely intensified by an extremely dry summer of 2016. Concurrent with the long-term decreasing trend in the regional annual precipitation, the rainfall in July 2016 was less than 10% of its 30-year mean value. We conclude that epidemiological situation of anthrax in the previously contaminated Arctic regions requires monitoring of climatic factors such as warming and precipitation extremes.

Recent Links between Zoonosis and a Catastrophic Global Climate Change

“…The epidemic was sparked by permafrost melt-induced spore activation, which was worsened by the summer heat wave. Extremely warm years were followed by cold years with heavy snow cover from 2011 to 2016, avoiding soil freezing [48]. "The graph above depicts the amount of Arctic Sea ice on July 4, 2022, as well as daily ice extent data for the previous four years and the previous record-low year.…”

“…give priority to stimulus programmes that have large economic multiplier effects and lower carbon emissions after restrictions are lifted" [48].  To predict, prevent, and respond to pandemic zoonoses in a timely and efficient manner, a global strategy to coordinate pandemic preparedness and response is required [48]. To lower the risk of disease emergence, One Health's strategy involves cross-sectoral work by public, animal, and environmental health agencies.…”

“…To lower the risk of disease emergence, One Health's strategy involves cross-sectoral work by public, animal, and environmental health agencies. This should be a top priority, as the emergence of pathogens is becoming more frequent [48].  Since adopting cross-sectoral approaches is constantly difficult, cross-sectoral approaches are necessary to gain enough momentum in controlling emerging disease [48].…”

“…This should be a top priority, as the emergence of pathogens is becoming more frequent [48].  Since adopting cross-sectoral approaches is constantly difficult, cross-sectoral approaches are necessary to gain enough momentum in controlling emerging disease [48]. The One Health vision must be realized through the establishment of systems, which require careful planning, money, and time to implement [48].…”

“… Since adopting cross-sectoral approaches is constantly difficult, cross-sectoral approaches are necessary to gain enough momentum in controlling emerging disease [48]. The One Health vision must be realized through the establishment of systems, which require careful planning, money, and time to implement [48].  Building trust, coming up with new ideas, learning from mistakes, and establishing sustainable working relationships are all important during the implementation of these programs.…”