Verbal autopsy and outbreak investigation of anthrax in Livestock and Wildlife at the Virunga National Park Interface Area, Democratic Republic of the Congo

A cross-sectional survey and outbreak investigation in North Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo, confirmed the presence of Bacillus anthracis, the etiological agent of anthrax, during an outbreak in 2021. The study revealed that while farmers in the region are knowledgeable about anthrax, they engage in unhealthy practices related to handling and consuming contaminated meat. Transhumance livestock management, anthropogenic activities, and the absence of a surveillance program were identified as primary contributors to anthrax outbreaks. The research highlights the need for collaborative efforts to manage these outbreaks effectively, reducing their threat to health and livelihoods in the area.

Muhindo, D. S., Pongombo, B. L., K., E. S., K., H. K., Mulinda, É. B., Mwehu, T. B., Malengela, L., Ngumuna, F., Dib, H. A.-A., Shawa, M., & Mulumbu, J. M. (2023). Verbal autopsy and outbreak investigation of anthrax in Livestock and Wildlife at the Virunga National Park Interface Area, Democratic Republic of the Congo. https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-2697987/v1