Human anthrax outbreak associated with livestock exposure: Georgia, 2012

Area of Science:

• Epidemiology
• Veterinary Public Health
• Infectious Disease

Background:

• Human anthrax cases in Georgia rose by 75% between 2011 and 2012.
• This increase necessitated an investigation into potential risk factors for anthrax infection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify risk factors associated with human anthrax infection in Georgia.
• To inform public health and veterinary strategies for anthrax prevention.

Main Methods:

• A case-control study was conducted with 67 confirmed human anthrax cases and 134 matched controls.
• Data were collected on potential risk factors including animal handling, livestock health, and environmental exposures.

Main Results:

• Slaughtering animals was a significant predictor of anthrax infection (OR 7.3).
• Living within 1 km of livestock (OR 2.8) and contact with sick or dead livestock also increased risk.
• Proximity to livestock markets and animal burial sites were identified as potential exposure points.

Conclusions:

• Joint public health and veterinary investigations are crucial for identifying high-risk areas for livestock anthrax.
• Recommendations include annual livestock vaccination and public awareness campaigns regarding anthrax risks.