Abstract
An integrated approach was sought to establish an anthrax-free mcftTleI area, where
there will be no anthrax in an anthrax-prone area of Bangladesh. The integrated
approach included regular vaccination, increased public awareness, rapid
confirmation, and prompt disposal of carcass, setting up an effective surveillance
system, developing an emergency prevention system, of regulations, and
enhanced the collaboration between Animal and Human health departments. Before
this research work, the study area reported anthrax in cattle Or humans almost every
one or two years. The I(xation remains Jamtoil village in Kamarkhanda Upazila of
Sirajganj District lcxated in between 24018 and 24027' north latitudes and amidst 89035'
and 89042' east longitudes. Several interventions that included social and
laboratory works were implemented from 2017 to 2020. After rigorously implementing
the study works, it showed that most community members (97.5%) were aware of
nature, occurrence, public health importance, and management of the disease. The
risky habits and attitudes of the farmers toward the slaughtering of sick cattle reduced
significantly (<85%; p < 0.001). Vaccination coverage expanded from 40 to 85% (95% Cl:
0.06-0.22), and the percentage of farmers who can presumptively diagnose anthrax by
its notable clinical findings has increased from 30% to 85% (95% Cl: 0.16-1.41). A PCR-
based confirmation protocol was applied. samples were collected to examine the
pathogenic spores of Bacillus anthracis, and researchers developed a map so that the
farmers in the area would be more cautious about grazing their cattle. A steering
committee was formed with the administration, law enforcement agency, local
government, livestock, health department, and political elites. This committee
periodically reviewed the progress of research work. At the of the
investigation, the score of situations was 18, but after implementing research
interventions, it increased to 100 out of 120. A slaughterhouse was set up in the region,
and people slaughtered their animals after examining their animals by qualified
veterinarians. As a result of all these works, the model area has been free of anthrax
infection for the last four years. The research finding concluded that the integrated
approach is an efficient, effective, and suitable method to establish an anthrax-free
model area where there will be no anthrax outbreak.