In recent developments from the central Indian state of Chattisgarh, authorities at the Nandanvan Zoo in Raipur reported a rare but concerning anthrax case in a hyena.

This incident has sparked a proactive response from health officials and underscores the importance of understanding and preventing anthrax infections, which can affect both animals and humans.

Incident at Nandanvan Zoo, Raipur

The outbreak at Nandanvan Zoo began with detecting anthrax symptoms in a hyena. Upon confirmation through laboratory tests, the zoo implemented a 15-day closure as a precautionary measure.

Veterinarians observed typical anthrax symptoms in the affected hyena, prompting immediate action to prevent further spread.

As a preventive measure, the forest department initiated a vaccination drive covering animals within a 5 km radius of the zoo. All zoo personnel were also administered prophylactic antibiotics to mitigate potential exposure risks.

Anthrax Overview: Epidemiology and Risk Factors

Anthrax is primarily an epizootic disease commonly affecting herbivorous animals such as cattle, sheep, and goats. The disease is caused by Bacillus anthracis, a bacterium found naturally in soil.

Herbivores contract anthrax by ingesting vegetation contaminated with anthrax spores. In rare instances, non-herbivorous animals like hyenas can also succumb to anthrax, highlighting its potential variability in transmission and impact.

Public Health Implications

The case in Chattisgarh marks the first documented instance of anthrax-related mortality in a non-herbivorous animal in India.

This incident raises significant epidemiological concerns, suggesting that anthrax bacteria are circulating within Chattisgarh.

Such findings necessitate enhanced surveillance and preventive measures to curb potential outbreaks, especially given the longevity of anthrax spores in the environment.

Comparing with Orissa: Lessons in Anthrax Management

Orissa serves as a poignant example of anthrax endemicity and its public health implications. With 14 out of 30 districts reporting multiple anthrax outbreaks over the past decade, affecting hundreds of individuals, Orissa faces recurrent challenges in managing this zoonotic disease.

The state’s extensive forest cover and high tribal population reliance on forest resources exacerbate the risk factors associated with anthrax transmission (4).

Risk Factors in Chattisgarh

Chattisgarh shares ecological parallels with Orissa, including high tribal population density, extensive forest cover, and limited agricultural reliance. These factors collectively heighten the susceptibility to anthrax outbreaks among animals and humans.

The presence of viable anthrax spores in Chattisgarh soil underscores the persistent risk of zoonotic transmission, necessitating proactive measures in animal screening and public health infrastructure enhancement.

Prevention and Control Strategies

Effective prevention and control of anthrax hinge on coordinated efforts between veterinary departments, animal husbandry agencies, and public health authorities. Key strategies include:

• Livestock Vaccination: Implementing routine vaccination drives for cattle and other livestock in high-risk areas can significantly reduce anthrax incidence.
• Regulation and Hygiene: Enforcing stringent regulations on meat handling and ensuring hygiene practices in slaughterhouses are critical to preventing anthrax transmission through contaminated meat.
• Public Awareness: Conduct behavioral change communication campaigns to educate communities about the risks associated with anthrax and promote safe practices in handling animal products.
• Inter-state Collaboration: Establishing collaborative frameworks between states like Chattisgarh and Orissa can facilitate knowledge sharing and resource allocation for effective anthrax prevention and control measures.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

Anthrax presents in several forms depending on the mode of transmission:

• Cutaneous Anthrax: The most common form is skin lesions that progress from raised bumps to ulcers with black centers.
• Inhalation Anthrax: Inhalation of anthrax spores can lead to severe respiratory symptoms, including fever, coughing, and respiratory distress.
• Gastrointestinal Anthrax: Ingestion of contaminated meat can cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and bloody diarrhea.

Treatment and Prognosis

Early diagnosis and prompt treatment with antibiotics like ciprofloxacin or doxycycline can effectively treat most anthrax infections. Inhalation anthrax, however, remains challenging to manage and can be fatal even with intensive therapy.

Prevention through vaccination and public health awareness remains pivotal in mitigating the impact of anthrax outbreaks.

Wrap up

The recent anthrax case at Nandanvan Zoo highlights the ongoing threat posed by this infectious disease in India.

Authorities can strengthen their preparedness and response capabilities by understanding the epidemiology, risk factors, and preventive strategies associated with anthrax.

Vigilance, collaboration, and proactive measures are essential to safeguarding both animal and human populations from the potential ravages of anthrax outbreaks.