Abstract
An integrated approach was sought to establish an anthrax-free model,
where there will be no anthrax in an anthrax-prone area of Bangladesh.
The integrated approach included regular vaccination, increased public
awareness, rapid confirmation, and prompt disposal, setting up an
effective surveillance system, developing an emergency prevention
system, enforcing regulations, and enhancing veterinary services’
collaboration. Before the research work, a study area reported anthrax
in cattle or humans almost every one or two years. The location remains
Jamtoil village in Kamarkhanda Upazila of Sirajganj district located
between 24°18’ and 24°27’ north latitudes and amidst 89°35’ and 89°42’
east longitudes. Numerous interventions that included both social and
laboratory work were implemented from 2017 to 2020. After rigorously
implementing the study works, it showed that most community members
(97.5%) were aware of the nature, occurrence, public health importance,
and management of the disease. The risky habits and attitudes of the
farmers toward the slaughtering of sick cattle reduced significantly
(<85%). Vaccination coverage expanded from 40 to 85%, and
the percentage of farmers who can presumptively diagnose anthrax by its
notable clinical findings has increased from 30% to 85%. A PCR-based
confirmation protocol was applied. Soil samples were collected to
examine the pathogenic spores of Bacillus anthracis, and
researchers developed a map so that the farmers in the area would be
more cautious about grazing their cattle. A steering committee was
formed with the administration, law enforcement agency, local
government, livestock, health department, and political elites. This
committee periodically reviewed the progress of research work. At the
beginning of the investigation, the score was 18, but after implementing
research interventions, it increased to 100 out of 120. The locals set
up a slaughterhouse in that region, and people slaughtered their animals
after examining their animals by qualified veterinarians. As a result of
all these works, the model area has been free of anthrax infection for
four years. The research finding concluded that the integrated approach
is an efficient, effective, and suitable method to establish an
anthrax-free model area where there will be no anthrax outbreak.