Bacillus anthracis-related knowledge, attitudes, and practices in Koraput, India: A mixed methods study

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• One Health

Background:

• Koraput district, India, faces recurring anthrax outbreaks in humans and livestock.
• Limited data exists on community knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding anthrax prevention and control.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess community knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to anthrax in Koraput.
• To identify gaps in understanding and inform targeted interventions for anthrax control.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods, cross-sectional study was conducted from July to September 2024.
• 696 community members were surveyed using a structured questionnaire.
• Qualitative data was gathered from health, veterinary, and panchayati raj stakeholders.

Main Results:

• Only 15.3% of respondents demonstrated awareness of anthrax.
• While 82.7% recognized vaccination, livestock vaccination coverage was low (11.5%).
• High-risk practices like meat consumption (96.4%) and housing livestock indoors (27.9%) were prevalent.

Conclusions:

• Significant knowledge gaps exist regarding anthrax causes, symptoms, transmission, and prevention.
• There is a critical need for coordinated One Health interventions involving human, animal, and allied sectors.
• Improving community awareness and promoting preventive measures are essential for controlling anthrax outbreaks.