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Public health reports (Washington, D.C. : 1974)2008; 123(3); 352-359; doi: 10.1177/003335490812300315

Risk factors associated with anthrax outbreak in animals in North Dakota, 2005: a retrospective case-control study.

Abstract: We identified the risk factors associated with the anthrax outbreak Of 2005 in animals in North Dakota. Methods: Medical records of the 2005 anthrax outbreak were obtained from the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory at North Dakota State University. Additional data were obtained from the North Dakota state veterinarian's office, and supplemental questionnaires were administered to producers. The data obtained included ecological and environmental factors, animal health factors, and management factors. Results: Anthrax occurred from July 1 to October 12, 2005. The cases were located in eastern North Dakota around the Red River Basin. Ransom, LaMoure, and Barnes counties reported most cases (71%). Species affected included cattle, bison, horses, sheep, elk, deer, pigs, and llamas. The predominant symptom was sudden death (38%) followed by bleeding from orifices (17%). Chi-square analysis indicated significant differences between case and control premises on the following variables: death reported on neighboring pasture, vaccination period, dry conditions, wet conditions, antibiotic use, multiple vaccination, and type of predator (coyote). Factors that significantly (p<0.05) predicted anthrax occurrences on the final logistic regression model were vaccination, use of antibiotics during an outbreak, and period of vaccine administration (before or during the outbreak). Conclusions: The characteristics of the anthrax outbreak regarding time and place of occurrence, animals affected, clinical signs reported, and mortality rate were consistent with previous reports of natural anthrax outbreaks in animals. A number of factors that significantly predicted anthrax occurrence in animals in the 2005 outbreak in North Dakota were identified. This information is important in planning appropriate control and prevention measures for anthrax, including recommending the right vaccination and treatment regimens in managing future anthrax outbreaks.
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Publication Date: 2008-11-15 PubMed ID: 19006977PubMed Central: PMC2289988DOI: 10.1177/003335490812300315Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

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This research paper examined the factors contributing to the 2005 outbreak of anthrax in animals in North Dakota, highlighting the importance of proper vaccination and antibiotic usage during outbreaks for prevention and control.

Study Overview

This retrospective case-control study focused on understanding the risk factors associated with the 2005 anthrax outbreak in animals in North Dakota. It aimed to collate integrated data related to ecological, environmental, health and management aspects of the outbreak. These insights would help devise optimal control and prevention strategies for future occurrences.

  • Data for the research was sourced from medical records maintained by the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory at North Dakota State University.
  • Additional information was collected from the North Dakota state veterinarian’s office and through questionnaires filled by animal producers.

Findings of the Study

Records indicated that the anthrax outbreak in North Dakota in 2005 was most prevalent from July to October and it greatly impacted the eastern region around the Red River Basin. The species affected encompassed a range of animals from cattle and bison to horses, sheep, elk, deer, pigs, and llamas.

  • Most cases (71%) were reported from Ransom, LaMoure, and Barnes counties.
  • The most predominant symptom in animals was sudden death followed by bleeding from orifices.

Significant Predictive Factors

The study further performed a chi-square analysis that demonstrated significant differences between affected and unaffected premises based on specific variables such as death on neighboring pasture, vaccination period, weather conditions, antibiotic use, multiple vaccination and the type of predator.

  • Factors like proper vaccination, use of antibiotics during an outbreak, and correct timing for vaccine administration emerged as significant predictors for anthrax occurrences based on the final logistic regression model.

Conclusion and Implications

The outcomes of the anthrax outbreak, regarding the timing, location, affected animals, clinical symptoms and the mortality rate, corresponded with the characteristics of earlier reports on natural anthrax outbreaks in animals. The study identified several key factors responsible for the 2005 anthrax outbreak among animals in North Dakota. Such data is pivotal for designing effective prevention measures and recommending suitable vaccination and treatment plans for managing future anthrax outbreaks.

Cite This Article

APA
Mongoh MN, Dyer NW, Stoltenow CL, Khaitsa ML. (2008). Risk factors associated with anthrax outbreak in animals in North Dakota, 2005: a retrospective case-control study. Public Health Rep, 123(3), 352-359. https://doi.org/10.1177/003335490812300315

Publication

Public health reports (Washington, D.C. : 1974)
ISSN: 0033-3549
NlmUniqueID: 9716844
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 123
Issue: 3
Pages: 352-359

Researcher Affiliations

Mongoh, Mafany Ndiva
  • School of Natural Resources, College of Agriculture, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58105-5406, USA.
Dyer, Neil W
    Stoltenow, Charles L
      Khaitsa, Margaret L

        MeSH Terms

        • Animal Diseases / epidemiology
        • Animal Diseases / microbiology
        • Animal Diseases / prevention & control
        • Animals
        • Anthrax / epidemiology
        • Anthrax / prevention & control
        • Anthrax / veterinary
        • Anthrax Vaccines / administration & dosage
        • Anti-Bacterial Agents / administration & dosage
        • Bacillus anthracis / isolation & purification
        • Chi-Square Distribution
        • Disease Outbreaks / prevention & control
        • Disease Outbreaks / veterinary
        • Ecosystem
        • Geographic Information Systems
        • Horses
        • North Dakota / epidemiology
        • Polymerase Chain Reaction
        • Public Health / methods
        • Risk Assessment / methods
        • Risk Factors
        • Ruminants
        • Sentinel Surveillance
        • Swine
        • Veterinary Medicine / methods

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