Impact of anthropogenic factors on the epidemiology of anthrax in Kazakhstan

Аннотация

Background and Aim. Despite significant success in the fight against anthrax, cases of animal and human disease are still registered in Kazakhstan. The presence of many permanently unfavorable points with numerous anthrax burial sites contributes to the maintenance of epidemiological unfavorability in the country. Moreover, active human activity in potentially dangerous zones often contributes to the activation of the epidemic process and the emergence of new infection outbreaks. The purpose of this research was to study the degree of influence of various anthropogenic factors on the epidemiology of anthrax in Kazakhstan.

Materials and Methods. The analysis object was information about anthrax outbreaks in Ka-zakhstan from 1933-2024. The study materials were data from the cadastre of stationary points unfavorable for anthrax, materials for statistical veterinary reporting, and our own records obtained during expedition trips. The data were analyzed using system modeling (Monte Carlo method) and spatial geographical analysis via the Moran autocorrelation method.

Results. In total, 4,089 outbreaks of anthrax in Kazakhstan occurred during the study period. In chronological terms, 5 historical periods were distinguished, and the analysis of the available epidemiological data for 1933–2024 indicates that the main periods of increase and decrease in the annually registered anthrax outbreaks correspond to certain periods of economic and socioeconomic change in the country and the introduction of antiepizootic measures against this infection.

Conclusion. The analysis shows a pronounced uneven temporal and spatial distribution of anthrax foci and significant differences in the dynamics of the epizootic process in Kazakhstan. At the moment, new information is being formed on the factors influencing the ecology and epidemiology of the disease, which are associated with various forms of organization and management of the economy, urbanization of the population, changes in their social conditions and the influence of other anthropogenic factors.