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Case-control study investigating an anthrax outbreak in Saskatchewan, Canada--Summer 2006
Tasha Epp1, Cheryl Waldner, Connie K Argue
1Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, 52 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. tasha.epp@usask.ca
The Canadian Veterinary Journal = La Revue Veterinaire Canadienne
|December 2, 2010
Summary
Environmental factors like flooding and wet pastures, along with herd management practices such as high animal density and delayed vaccination, increased anthrax outbreak risk in Saskatchewan cattle herds.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Epidemiology
- Animal Health Management
Background:
- Anthrax outbreaks pose a significant threat to cattle populations.
- Understanding risk factors is crucial for preventing future outbreaks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify environmental and management risk factors associated with an anthrax outbreak in Saskatchewan cattle.
- To inform preventative strategies for anthrax in livestock.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study was conducted using questionnaires.
- 117 case farms and 259 control farms were surveyed.
- Statistical analysis identified significant risk factors (odds ratios and confidence intervals).
Main Results:
- Flooding (OR=3.4), wetter pastures (OR=3.5-7.2), shorter grass (OR=3.0), and higher animal density (OR=3.0) were linked to increased anthrax risk.
- Delayed vaccination (OR=6.3) post-outbreak detection significantly increased subsequent deaths.
Conclusions:
- Environmental conditions and delayed vaccination are key risk factors for anthrax outbreaks in cattle.
- Improved biosecurity and timely vaccination protocols are essential for disease control.
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