Dynamics of anthrax cases in Ukraine during 1970–2013

Abstract

Over 9000 anthrax foci are registered in Ukraine with more than 4000 burials of animals died from anthrax. They are located national wide and have potential threat of animal anthrax outbreaks. Preventive measures against anthrax consist mostly of total immunization of animals with spore vaccines. Mandatory vaccination of farm animals shown considerable morbidity reduction. Over the past 30 years the major number of outbreaks was observed in 1979 (33 outbreaks), in 1989 (32 outbreaks) and in 1994 (33 outbreaks). Since 1994 a stable decline of outbreaks number is observed. In 2008, 2009, 2011 and 2013 no animal anthrax cases have been registered in Ukraine. A tendency towards decline of outbreaks is observed along with reduction of livestock susceptible to anthrax. Thus, amount of cattle has been decreased by 20368.1 thousands over 1990-2010 years in Ukraine, which makes 80.85%; pigs - by 12370.1 thousands of heads (62.02%) and small ruminants – less by 7170.6 thousands (79.65%). Over the past decade anthrax was registered among cattle (250 heads), small ruminants (14 heads), pigs (17 heads), horses (7 heads), mink (18 heads) and 1 wild animal.