One Health intervention for elimination of animal to human disease transmission of Anthrax in an endemic district of Odisha: A baseline and endline study

Introduction

Anthrax is a rare but serious infectious disease of public health importance caused by the bacteria Bacillus anthracis. Anthrax cases have been documented in various states of India, including Odisha. In Odisha, Koraput district stands out with more than 300 reported human cases and over 10 confirmed deaths due to Anthrax infection in the past six years.The present study is a baseline and endline survey to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices with regards to the anthrax disease among the communities of indigenous population residing in the region pre and post of the tailored made One Health intervention for elimination of human Anthrax in this endemic district.

Methodology

This is a repeated cross-sectional survey conducted both as a baseline survey in mid of 2020 among 2670 respondents and again as endline survey during end of 2022 among 2511 respondents using a structured 85 item questionnaire by multi-stage sampling method. Descriptive statistics were reported and logistic regression was performed to estimate the relationship between the variables and knowledge of anthrax. One Health intervention package was developed with the help of various multistakeholders from the Koraput district which include establishing an active surveillance, developing a dedicated anthrax diagnostic facility in the state for the early diagnosis, sensitization and capacity-building training for all the stakeholders, behavioral Change Communication (BCC) and Information Education Communication (IEC) activities at the community and free livestock vaccination drive across the district with the help of district veterinary department and coordination or support from the other stakeholders for smooth execution of the vaccination drive.

Result

Out of the total participants in the study, males were about (76.25% in baseline) and (72.08% in endline) and about half had no formal education in both the groups. Most of the respondents (54.19% in baseline) and (54.56% in endline) were involved in agriculture as an occupation. More than 50% of the respondents had livestock in their houses and farming was the main purpose for keeping the livestock in both the groups. Around 20.26% of respondents knew about anthrax during the baseline and after intervention 53.64% of the respondents had knowledge about it. Almost 21.29% of livestock owners had vaccinated their animals against anthrax disease which increased to 66.5% during the endline survey.

Discussion

The results indicate a noteworthy enhancement in the knowledge, attitude and practices among the study population from the baseline to endline survey.

Conclusion

This study highlights a significant increase in both knowledge and practices related to anthrax within the community after One Health interventions. The findings can address various health challenges related to zoonotic diseases and governments should continue to steward and ensure that One Health programs align with health policy objectives.