Review of the Epizootiological and Epidemiological Situation on Anthrax around the World in 2020 and the Forecast for 2021 in the Russian Federation

Abstract

A review of the epizootiological and epidemiological situation on anthrax in the world in 2020 was carried out. In the Russian Federation, five cases of human infection with cutaneous anthrax were registered in the entity of the North Caucasian Federal District – the Republic of Dagestan. A challenging situation was noted in the territory of border states – Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Ukraine. Epizootics of anthrax among livestock and wild animals were identified mainly in African countries. At the same time, the largest number of confirmed human cases was detected in Africa (Zimbabwe, Kenya) and Asia (Indonesia). The infection of individuals with the causative agent of anthrax was primarily associated with the ingestion of meat from sick and dead anthrax animals, contact with animals during forced slaughter, skinning and processing of contaminated meat. The incidence of anthrax in the Russian Federation in 2021 will be determined by the realization of the planned volumes of preventive measures and, provided they are properly implemented, will be limited to identifying sporadic cases of infection that are potentially possible within the limits of certain regions of Russia.