Research Article
Epidemiology of Reported Animal Anthrax in North Shewa Zone, Ethiopia: Retrospective Study of Temporal, Seasonal and Spatial Patterns and Vaccination Coverage, 2020–2024
Zelalem Yitayew*
Issue:
Volume 1, Issue 3, September 2026
Pages:
73-85
Received:
28 August 2026
Accepted:
11 September 2026
Published:
28 September 2026
Abstract: Anthrax is a highly fatal zoonotic disease caused by Bacillus anthracis and remains an important livestock and public health concern in Ethiopia. However, epidemiological information from routine surveillance in North Shewa Zone is limited. This study aimed to characterize the temporal, seasonal, spatial, and species distribution of reported animal anthrax and assess disease burden and vaccination coverage in North Shewa Zone from 2020 to 2024. A retrospective descriptive study was conducted using Disease Outbreak and Vaccination Activity Report (DOVAR) data collected from January 2020 to December 2024. Data from 23 districts and 374 peasant associations were analyzed using descriptive statistics to assess outbreak occurrence, morbidity, mortality, case fatality rate (CFR), temporal and seasonal patterns, species distribution, and vaccination coverage. Cases were based on clinically suspected anthrax reported through routine surveillance. Eleven outbreaks were reported in eight districts, resulting in 89 cases and 48 deaths among 19,130 animals at risk. Overall morbidity, mortality, and CFR were 0.47%, 0.25%, and 53.9%, respectively. Outbreaks occurred in 2020, 2021, and 2024, with the highest occurrence in 2024 (54.5%). No outbreaks were reported in 2022 and 2023. Most cases (78.7%) occurred during the rainy seasons, with August recording the highest monthly occurrence (28.1%). Cattle represented the majority of cases (49.4%) and deaths (58.3%). Moretena-Jeru had the highest number of reported cases, while Menz-Lalo recorded the highest CFR. Outbreak-response vaccination achieved 81.1% coverage, whereas routine prophylactic vaccination covered only 30.15% of the target population. Animal anthrax remains a significant livestock health concern in North Shewa Zone, characterized by seasonal outbreaks and high fatality. Strengthening routine risk-based vaccination, surveillance, laboratory-supported diagnosis, timely reporting, and safe carcass disposal is recommended.
Abstract: Anthrax is a highly fatal zoonotic disease caused by Bacillus anthracis and remains an important livestock and public health concern in Ethiopia. However, epidemiological information from routine surveillance in North Shewa Zone is limited. This study aimed to characterize the temporal, seasonal, spatial, and species distribution of reported animal...
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Research Article
Retrospective Study of Foot and Mouth Disease in Mareko, Central Ethiopia, 2021-2025GC
Mudesir Daweto Sirmollo*
Issue:
Volume 1, Issue 3, September 2026
Pages:
86-92
Received:
9 September 2026
Accepted:
20 September 2026
Published:
30 September 2026
Abstract: Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) is a highly contagious viral disease, which affects the livelhood and productivity of livestock farmer in endemic region. It can infect various domestic and wild animals with cloven-hooves. FMD has a detrimental effect on the agricultural economies of most countries worldwide. A retrospective study was applied to analyze FMD outbreaks in animals, place and time in Mareko, Centeral Ethiopia from 2021 to 2025 G.C. The data of the FMD outbreaks was collected from special wereda veterinary clinic and Keble veterinary post office from the case book record and DOVAR report. The data was analyzed by line, chart or graphs by using pivot table. Over the past five years a total of 134 FMD outbreaks have been reported in the district. The highest number reported in 2023 followed by 2024. Especially in 2024 during the month of October FMD outbreaks were reported. Seasonally, the highest outbreaks were in winter (68) followed by autumn (42). The spatial distribution of FMD, the higher numbers of outbreaks were in Meka-jardemeka, Koshe 01 and Alemena. The highest number of suspected FMD cases was in 2024 (450) followed by 2025 (500). So supplying adequate doses of vaccine, control risk factors and strong animal disease surveillance system is important to control and prevention of FMD.
Abstract: Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) is a highly contagious viral disease, which affects the livelhood and productivity of livestock farmer in endemic region. It can infect various domestic and wild animals with cloven-hooves. FMD has a detrimental effect on the agricultural economies of most countries worldwide. A retrospective study was applied to analyz...
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