Epidemiology of anthrax in Andhra Pradesh

Over the years, anthrax has become endemic in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India, posing risk for both animals and humans and spreading to the bordering state of Karnataka. The incidence is on the rise and the spread covering the entire state. The article is aimed at projecting spatio-temporal distribution of anthrax in the state of Andhra Pradesh highlighting possible reasons influencing the transmission dynamics in animals and resultant risk to humans. A select sub-sample of these were analyzed by Whole Genome Sequencing. From 2009 to 2024, 122 animal anthrax outbreaks were recorded, whereas 21 human anthrax outbreaks were reported from 2004 to 2024 in the state of Andhra Pradesh. Animal anthrax outbreaks were reported throughout the year with short peaks during March to October, covering high summer and rainy season. Most affected species were sheep (84 %), followed by Bovines (9 %) and Goats (4 %). Spill over was detected in Pig and Hog deer, and a probable transmission in humans. The recent spread of anthrax in livestock across the state, particularly to adjoining pasture lands of Odisha, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu due to migration for grazing might have led to the recent hot spots around state boundaries and forest fringes, calls for effective intervention to stop the spread.