Abstract

Objectives: This study was aimed to assess the five- year (2019 - 2023) anthrax occurrence and vaccination coverage trend in the South Ethiopia Region to get valuable input for future intervention. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted based on a five-year (2019 - 2023) anthrax occurrence and vaccination coverage report data retrieved from two regional laboratories in South Ethiopia and South Ethiopia Bureau of Agriculture Department of Animal Health. Results: In this study, a total of 13 animal anthrax reported events were recorded in this five- year interval. The highest outbreak was recorded in South Omo zone 30.8% (4/13) and the lowest anthrax occurrence was reported from Ale, Basketo and Ari zone 7.7% (1/13). The highest vaccination coverage was in 2019 recorded at 2,899,001 doses followed by 2020 which was 2,788,136 and the lowest was recorded in 2021 was 1,106,997 doses. A total of 189 cases of anthrax in animals and 174 animal deaths due to anthrax were reported. The highest numbers of animal anthrax cases were reported in 2020 (n = 116) sharing 31.96% of the 5- year animal anthrax reported. The highest number of animal deaths due to anthrax (n = 72) in 2022. The overall cases fatality rate of anthrax was 47.93%. The highest cases of anthrax were registered in May (n = 64), and no anthrax cases were reported during November, December, and March. The highest and the lowest number of animal deaths due to anthrax were reported during October (n = 57) and April (n = 8), respectively. Conclusion: Anthrax cases have occurred in all the seasons of the year; however, the relatively highest cases of anthrax were reported in the hot dry season (n = 78; 41.3%) whereas the lowest was reported during the post- rainy season (n=10; 5.3%). In conclusion, the current study showed a considerable number of animal anthrax cases and deaths in the South Ethiopia Region in five- year. Therefore, it is necessary to practice prevention strategies including immunization programs before the peak season of anthrax occurrence.