Verbal Autopsy and Outbreak Investigation of Anthrax in Livestock and Wildlife at the Virunga National Park Interface Area, Democratic Republic of the Congo

A study confirms the presence of Bacillus anthracis, the causative agent of anthrax, in North Kivu province, Democratic Republic of the Congo, highlighting its significant impact on both livestock and wildlife within the Virunga National Park interface area. The research reveals that while farmers exhibit a strong awareness of anthrax—identifying clinical symptoms and attempting prevention—they also engage in unhealthy practices related to handling and consuming contaminated meat. Transhumance livestock systems, human activities, and the absence of surveillance programs are identified as primary contributors to outbreaks. Conducted through a cross-sectional survey in 2015 and an outbreak investigation in 2021, the study underscores the urgent need for collaborative surveillance efforts to mitigate this zoonotic threat and its socioeconomic consequences.

M. Désire, S., P. Boniface, L., K. Eddy, S., K. Harvey, K., M. Ézéchiel, B., M. Tatiana, B., Léon, M., Florent, N., D. Halawi, A.-A., Shawa, M., & Justin, M. (2024). Verbal Autopsy and Outbreak Investigation of Anthrax in Livestock and Wildlife at the Virunga National Park Interface Area, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Fortune Journal of Health Sciences, 07(02). https://doi.org/10.26502/fjhs.184