Cutaneous anthrax associated with handling carcasses of animals that died suddenly of unknown cause: Arua District, Uganda, January 2015–August 2017

Abstract Background : Anthrax is a zoonotic vaccine-preventable disease that can be transmitted to humans from infected animals. During May–June 2017, three persons with probable cutaneous anthrax were reported in Arua District, Uganda; one died. All had recently handled carcasses of livestock that died suddenly. During July, a bull in the same community died suddenly. A skin lesion from the deceased person and a blood sample from the bull tested positive by PCR for Bacillus anthracis. The aim of this investigation was to establish the scope of the problem, identify exposures associated with illness, and recommend evidence-based control measures. Methods: We defined a probable case as acute onset of a papulo-vesicular skin lesion subsequently forming an eschar in a resident of Arua District during January 2015–August 2017. A confirmed case was a probable case with a skin sample testing positive by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for B. anthracis . We identified cases by medical record review and active community search. In a case-control study, we compared exposures between case-patients and frequency- and village-matched asymptomatic controls. We interviewed key animal health staff to learn about livestock deaths. Results: We identified 68 case-patients (67 probable, 1 confirmed), and 2 deaths. Cases occurred throughout the three-year period, peaking during dry seasons. All cases occurred following sudden livestock deaths in the villages. Case-patients came from two neighboring sub-counties: Rigbo (attack rate (AR)=20.1/10,000 population) and Rhino Camp (AR=2.1/10,000). Males (AR=17/100,000) were more affected than females (AR=0.52/100,000). Persons aged 30-39 years (AR=26/100,000 population) were most affected. Among all cases and 136 controls, skinning (OR M-H =5.0, 95%CI: 2.3–11), butchering (OR M-H =22, 95%CI: 5.5–89), and carrying the carcass of livestock that died suddenly (OR M-H =6.9, 95%CI: 3.0–16) were associated with illness. Conclusions: Exposure to carcasses of animals that died suddenly was a likely risk factor for cutaneous anthrax in Arua District during 2015-2017. We recommend public education about signs and symptoms of anthrax, prompt treatment of illness following exposure to animals that died suddenly, and safe disposal of the carcasses. In addition, the anthrax burden in livestock should be investigated to inform the cost-effectiveness of livestock vaccination.

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Cutaneous anthrax associated with handling carcasses of animals that died suddenly of unknown cause: Arua District, Uganda, January 2015–August 2017

PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases ◽

10.1371/journal.pntd.0009645 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 15 (8) ◽

pp. e0009645

Author(s):

Freda Loy Aceng ◽

Alex Riolexus Ario ◽

Phoebe Hilda Alitubeera ◽

Mukasa Matinda Neckyon ◽

Daniel Kadobera ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Skin Lesion ◽

Bacillus Anthracis ◽

Animal Health ◽

Acute Onset ◽

Control Measures ◽

Health Staff ◽

Skin Sample ◽

Probable Case ◽

Sample Testing ◽

Cutaneous Anthrax

Background Anthrax is a zoonotic disease that can be transmitted to humans from infected animals. During May–June 2017, three persons with probable cutaneous anthrax were reported in Arua District, Uganda; one died. All had recently handled carcasses of livestock that died suddenly and a skin lesion from a deceased person tested positive by PCR for Bacillus anthracis. During July, a bull in the same community died suddenly and the blood sample tested positive by PCR for Bacillus anthracis. The aim of this investigation was to establish the scope of the problem, identify exposures associated with illness, and recommend evidence-based control measures. Methods A probable case was defined as acute onset of a papulo-vesicular skin lesion subsequently forming an eschar in a resident of Arua District during January 2015–August 2017. A confirmed case was a probable case with a skin sample testing positive by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for B. anthracis. Cases were identified by medical record review and active community search. In a case-control study, exposures between case-patients and frequency- and village-matched asymptomatic controls were compared. Key animal health staff were interviewed to learn about livestock deaths. Results There were 68 case-patients (67 probable, 1 confirmed), and 2 deaths identified. Cases occurred throughout the three-year period, peaking during dry seasons. All cases occurred following sudden livestock deaths in the villages. Case-patients came from two neighboring sub-counties: Rigbo (attack rate (AR) = 21.9/10,000 population) and Rhino Camp (AR = 1.9/10,000). Males (AR = 24.9/10,000) were more affected than females (AR = 0.7/10,000). Persons aged 30–39 years (AR = 40.1/10,000 population) were most affected. Among all cases and 136 controls, skinning (ORM-H = 5.0, 95%CI: 2.3–11), butchering (ORM-H = 22, 95%CI: 5.5–89), and carrying the carcass of livestock that died suddenly (ORM-H = 6.9, 95%CI: 3.0–16) were associated with illness. Conclusions Exposure to carcasses of animals that died suddenly was a likely risk factor for cutaneous anthrax in Arua District during 2015–2017. The recommendations are investigation of anthrax burden in livestock, prevention of animal infections through vaccinations, safe disposal of the carcasses, public education on risk factors for infection and prompt treatment of illness following exposure to animals that died suddenly.

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Cutaneous anthrax associated with handling carcasses of animals that died suddenly of unknown cause: Arua District, Uganda, January 2015–August 2017

10.21203/rs.2.22358/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Freda Loy Aceng ◽

Alex Riolexus Ario ◽

Phoebe Hilda Alitubeera ◽

Daniel Kadobera ◽

Musa Sekamatte ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Skin Lesion ◽

Animal Health ◽

Signs And Symptoms ◽

Acute Onset ◽

Health Staff ◽

Skin Sample ◽

Probable Case ◽

Sample Testing ◽

Cutaneous Anthrax ◽

Record Review

Abstract Background Anthrax is a vaccine-preventable disease that can be transmitted to humans from infected animals. During May–June 2017, three persons with suspected cutaneous anthrax were reported in Arua District, Uganda; one died. All had recently handled carcasses of livestock that died suddenly. During July, a bull in the same community died suddenly. A skin lesion from the deceased person and a blood sample from the bull tested positive by PCR for Bacillus anthracis. The aim of this investigation was to establish the scope of the problem, identify exposures associated with illness, and recommend evidence-based control measures.Methods We defined a probable case as acute onset of a papulo-vesicular skin lesion subsequently forming an eschar in a resident of Arua District during January 2015–August 2017. A confirmed case was a probable case with a skin sample testing positive by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for B. anthracis . We identified cases by medical record review and active community search. In a case-control study, we compared exposures between case-patients and frequency- and village-matched asymptomatic controls. We interviewed key animal health staff to learn about livestock deaths.Results We identified 68 case-patients (67 probable, one confirmed), and two deaths. Cases occurred throughout the three-year period, peaking during dry seasons. All cases occurred following sudden livestock deaths in the villages. Case-patients came from two neighboring sub-counties: Rigbo (attack rate (AR)=20.1/10,000 population) and Rhino Camp (AR=2.1/10,000). Males (AR=17/100,000) were more affected than females (AR=0.52/100,000). Persons aged 30-39 years (AR=26/100,000 population) were most affected. Among all cases and 136 controls, skinning (OR M-H =5.0, 95%CI: 2.3–11), butchering (OR M-H =22, 95%CI: 5.5–89), and carrying the carcass of livestock that died suddenly (OR M-H =6.9, 95%CI: 3.0–16) were associated with illness.Conclusions Exposure to carcasses of animals that died suddenly was a risk factor for cutaneous anthrax in Arua District during 2015-2017. We recommended public education about signs and symptoms of anthrax, prompt treatment of illness following exposure to animals that died suddenly, and safe disposal of carcasses of animals that die suddenly. In addition, the anthrax burden in livestock should be investigated to inform the cost-effectiveness of livestock vaccination.

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Cerebellar peduncle abscess secondary to disseminated strangles in a six-week-old miniature foal

Veterinary Science Development ◽

10.4081/vsd.2011.3516 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 1 (1) ◽

pp. 12

Author(s):

Brianne Henderson

Keyword(s):

Animal Health ◽

Clinical Signs ◽

Acute Onset ◽

Abscess Formation ◽

Neurological Deficits ◽

Post Mortem ◽

Streptococcus Equi ◽

The Central Nervous System ◽

Cerebellar Peduncle ◽

The Right

During a strangles outbreak within a herd of minature horses, a six week old foal developed acute onset clinical signs of sepsis and neurological deficits. The foal was euthanized and submitted for post-mortem at the Animal Health Laboratories, Guelph Ontario. Gross post-mortem examination noted severe bronchopneumonia, hypopyon of the right eye and a singular cerebellar peduncle abscess. Culture of the lungs and cerebellum produced a pure growth of Streptococcus equi ssp. equi. Streptococcus equi ssp. equi, the causative agent of equine strangles, produces an acute pyrexia, purulent lymphadenopathy of submandibular and retropharyngeal lymph nodes. Commonly, lymph node abscesses rupture and resolve without complication. Rarely, complications may include: dissemination of the bacteria with diffuse abscess formation, immune mediated disease (purpura haemorrhagica), rarely abscess formation within the central nervous system (CNS) can occur. These can be managed medically with appropriate antibiotics and drugs to reduce intra-cranial pressure, however surgical drainage and debulking of the abscess has been attempted successfully in a few cases.

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Nurses’ Self-report on the Infection Control Unit Activities and their Experience in the Hospital toward Nosocomial Infections in the Sulaimani Hospitals

Erbil Journal of Nursing and Midwifery ◽

10.15218/ejnm.2020.19 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 3 (2) ◽

pp. 166-177

Author(s):

Ramand Haji ◽

◽

Dana Abdilkarim ◽

Salar Ali ◽

Srwa Mohammad ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Infection Control ◽

Nosocomial Infections ◽

Control Unit ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Control Measures ◽

Self Report ◽

Health Staff ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Infection Control Measures ◽

Spss Software

Background and objectives: Nurses can prevent the occurrence and transmission of noso-comial infections by following infection control measures such as wearing gloves and masks, using appropriate disinfection of skin and preventing accidental needle-stick inju-ries. This research aimed to evaluate the availability of hospital uniforms, personal protec-tive equipment, and infection control activities at hospitals in Sulaimani in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, and to examine nurses’ experience of nosocomial infections. Methods and materials: A cross-sectional study was performed at 10 governmental hospi-tals during the period from 20th February to 28th September 2018. 525 nurses were se-lected as participants by a convenience sampling method. A self-administrated question-naire was used to collect data, which were analysed using SPSS software. Results: The results showed that 268 nurses (51%) reported that their hospitals provided sufficient uniforms to all the medical staff and the majority of nurses, 444 respondents (84.6%) stated that they were responsible for cleaning their working uniforms. 441 nurses reported that they did not acquire a nosocomial infection, and 479 (91.2%) did not have an accident during their work in the hospital. 79.9% of the nurses (404) reported recapping syringe needles after the usage, and 98 (18.7%) gave a low rating to the infection control unit activity in their hospitals. Finally, more than half of nurses (330) representing 62.9% of the sample were vaccinated against nosocomial infections. Conclusions: Most of Sulaimani governmental hospitals are providing sufficient uniforms for the health staff, the majority of nurses were vaccinated against one or more nosocomi-al infections, and the majority of nurses do needle syringe recapping.

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Modelling to support health programs in modern livestock farming.

Netherlands Journal of Agricultural Science ◽

10.18174/njas.v36i1.16695 ◽

1988 ◽

Vol 36 (1) ◽

pp. 35-42

Author(s):

A.A. Dijkhuizen

Keyword(s):

Animal Health ◽

Control Measures ◽

Health Programs ◽

Herd Health ◽

Livestock Farming ◽

Direct Evaluation ◽

Positive Approach ◽

Normative Approach ◽

Use Of Models ◽

Health Programmes

The application of herd health programmes in livestock farming is rarely an all-or-nothing affair. Usually several control measures are available, but none is ideal. The use of models in optimizing the application of herd health programmes is on the increase. Two broad categories of models have been reviewed: (1) statistical/sepidemiological models used for direct evaluation of any programme actually carried out (positive approach); and (2) economic models used for predicting the profitability of specific measures or programmes (normative approach). Priorities for further research in the field of animal health economics are also discussed. (Abstract retrieved from CAB Abstracts by CABI’s permission)

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Serology surveillance of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among asymptomatic healthcare workers in Malaysian healthcare facilities designated for COVID-19 care

10.21203/rs.3.rs-37132/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Yuan Liang Woon ◽

Yee Leng Lee ◽

Yoong Min Chong ◽

Nor Aliya Ayub ◽

Swarna Lata Krishnabahawan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Clinical Signs ◽

Signs And Symptoms ◽

Healthcare Setting ◽

Public Hospitals ◽

Control Measures ◽

Infection Prevention And Control ◽

Personal Protection Equipment ◽

Strict Adherence ◽

The Past ◽

Increased Risk

Abstract IntroductionHealthcare workers (HCW) are presumed to be at increased risk of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection due to occupational exposure to infected patients. We aim to determine the prevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among asymptomatic HCW.MethodsWe prospectively recruited HCW from the National Public Health Laboratory and two COVID-19 designated public hospitals in Klang Valley, Malaysia between April 13th and May 12th, 2020. Quota sampling was applied to ensure adequate representation of the HCW involved in provision of care for patients directly and indirectly. All participants had worked in the respective healthcare facility for at least 30 days prior study enrollment. HCW who were previously confirmed with COVID-19 infection or listed as “patient under investigation” were excluded. A self-administered questionnaire was used to capture sociodemographic information, history of contact with COVID-19 cases within the past month, clinical signs and symptoms and adherence to universal precautions. Blood samples were taken to test for anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies by surrogate virus neutralization test.ResultsA total of 400 HCW were recruited, comprising 154 (38.5%) nurses, 103 (25.8%) medical doctors, 47 (11.8%) laboratory technologists and others (23.9%). The mean age was 35±7.8 years, with females predominant (74%). A majority (68.9%) reported direct contact with COVID-19 patients, body fluids of COVID-19 patients and/or contaminated objects and surfaces in the past month within their respective workplaces. Nearly all claimed to adhere to personal protection equipment (PPE) guidelines (97%-100% adherence) and hand hygiene practice (91%-96% adherence). None (95% CI: 0, 0.0095) of the participants had anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies detected, despite 135 (33.8%) reporting respiratory symptoms one month prior to study recruitment. One hundred and fifteen (29%) participants claimed to have contact with known COVID-19 persons outside of the workplace.ConclusionOur finding of zero seroprevalence among asymptomatic HCW suggests a low risk of asymptomatic COVID-19 infection in our healthcare setting; which is at expected levels for a country with an incidence of 26 per 100,000. The adequacy of PPE equipment and strict adherence to infection prevention and control measures offers considerable protection during contact with COVID-19 cases and should be ensured to prevent future nosocomial transmission.

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Managing problem wildlife in the ‘Old World’: a veterinary perspective

Reproduction Fertility and Development ◽

10.1071/r96090 ◽

1997 ◽

Vol 9 (1) ◽

pp. 17 ◽

Cited By ~ 25

Author(s):

M. Artois

Keyword(s):

Wildlife Management ◽

Native Species ◽

Animal Health ◽

Fertility Control ◽

Control Measures ◽

Pest Species ◽

Game Species ◽

Domestic Species ◽

Stray Dog ◽

Methods Of Control

This paper focuses on mammalian pest species mainly in Europe and Africa and on implications for animal health, human safety, wildlife management and animal welfare. Three examples of problem species are presented: the wild boar (Sus scrofa), the stray dog (Canis familiaris) and the red fox (Vulpes vulpes). Several species are reservoirs or vectors of transmissible diseases of man and of economically valuable domestic species. The control of these and other infections and the limitation of the nuisance or damage caused by these pest species involves lethal or non-lethal methods which are briefly reviewed. Some control measures require veterinary expertise, and veterinary involvement in managing problem species is likely to increase. With regard to fertility control, methods are considered which will allow an appropriate choice of the best technique for the management of problem animals in various habitats. For desirable native species, traditional methods of control, especially hunting in the case of game species, is preferable to contraception. For exotic or feral species, control of fertility seems to be a worthwhile option.

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Discussion session: Prospects and challenges

Reproduction Fertility and Development ◽

10.1071/rdv9n1_di6 ◽

1997 ◽

Vol 9 (1) ◽

pp. 179

Keyword(s):

Wildlife Management ◽

Native Species ◽

Animal Health ◽

Fertility Control ◽

Control Measures ◽

Pest Species ◽

Game Species ◽

Domestic Species ◽

Stray Dog ◽

Methods Of Control

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Morphological identification keys for adults of sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae) in Sri Lanka

Parasites & Vectors ◽

10.1186/s13071-020-04305-w ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 13 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Tharaka Wijerathna ◽

Nayana Gunathilaka

Keyword(s):

Sri Lanka ◽

Species Abundance ◽

Morphological Features ◽

Control Measures ◽

Sand Fly ◽

Health Staff ◽

Morphological Identification ◽

Sand Flies ◽

Identification Keys ◽

Control Programmes

Abstract Background Phlebotomine sand flies are a medically important group of insects that is responsible for the transmission of leishmaniasis. Surveillance plays a major role in vector control programmes through exploring species abundance, potential entomological risk and designing appropriate control measures. In field surveillance programmes of such nature, morphological identification of vector species is of paramount importance. However, in Sri Lanka, there is no published taxonomic key available for the identification of leishmaniasis vectors. Method Identification keys for both male and females of the sand flies recorded in Sri Lanka were developed using morphological features. Main identification features were compared with the original observation of specimens collected from surveys and the use of published literature. Photographic illustrations of morphological features are included with the intention of making the keys user-friendly for non-taxonomists. Results A total of 22 sand fly species (Diptera: Psychodidae) of the genera Phlebotomus and Sergentomyia reported in Sri Lanka from 1910 to 2019 are included in the present work. Conclusion This simplified key, along with photographs taken from specimens would be beneficial to the health staff, entomologists and research staff who deal with leishmaniasis control programmes and vector-related studies.

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Bovine Babesiosis in Turkey: Impact, Current Gaps, and Opportunities for Intervention

Pathogens ◽

10.3390/pathogens9121041 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 9 (12) ◽

pp. 1041

Author(s):

Sezayi Ozubek ◽

Reginaldo G. Bastos ◽

Heba F. Alzan ◽

Abdullah Inci ◽

Munir Aktas ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Vaccine Development ◽

Point Of Care ◽

Animal Health ◽

Current Control ◽

Diagnostic Methods ◽

Control Measures ◽

Bovine Babesiosis ◽

Research Programs ◽

The Impact

Bovine babesiosis is a global tick-borne disease that causes important cattle losses and has potential zoonotic implications. The impact of bovine babesiosis in Turkey remains poorly characterized, but several Babesia spp., including B. bovis, B. bigemina, and B. divergens, among others and competent tick vectors, except Rhipicephalus microplus, have been recently identified in the country. Bovine babesiosis has been reported in all provinces but is more prevalent in central and highly humid areas in low and medium altitude regions of the country housing approximately 70% of the cattle population. Current control measures include acaricides and babesicidal drugs, but not live vaccines. Despite the perceived relevant impact of bovine babesiosis in Turkey, basic research programs focused on developing in vitro cultures of parasites, point-of-care diagnostic methods, vaccine development, “omics” analysis, and gene manipulation techniques of local Babesia strains are scarce. Additionally, no effective and coordinated control efforts managed by a central animal health authority have been established to date. Development of state-of-the-art research programs in bovine babesiosis to address current gaps in knowledge and implementation of long-term plans to control the disease will surely result in important economic, nutritional, and public health benefits for the country and the region.

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