Anthrax is a non-contagious zoonotic disease caused by the Gram-positive, spore-forming bacterium Bacillus anthracis. Infection is common in livestock and wild animals such as cattle, goats, sheep, camels, and antelopes. In humans, anthrax may occur after contact with contaminated carcasses or animal products like milk and meat. The best method to prevent anthrax in people is to ensure livestock are vaccinated, which significantly limits the risk of zoonotic spread to humans. However, the rate of vaccination of domesticated animals kept by nomadic pastoralists in West Africa is low. These groups regularly cross over national boundaries with their grazing herds. Nigeria is a country that historically has done comparatively well to contain this public health threat. However, in 2023 several outbreaks of human disease appear linked to the consumption of anthrax-contaminated animal products brought into Nigeria by pastoralists from neighboring countries. Clinical manifestations include skin sores or ulcers, nausea, vomiting, and fever. This article aims to raise awareness of recent outbreaks of anthrax in West Africa and to call for a renewed focus on measures to combat this neglected public health concern to the region. The imperative to pinpoint pivotal issues relating to the ongoing emergence of anthrax cases in Nigeria cannot be overstated. By delving into the prevalence of anthrax in both livestock and human populations residing along Nigeria’s borders, unraveling the genetic diversity and potential sources of B. anthracis strains, and identifying the primary animal host(s) responsible for transmission, we stand to enhance our understanding of this critical issue. Furthermore, investigating the multifaceted factors contributing to anthrax transmission, assessing community knowledge and practices, mapping common migratory routes of pastoralists, and formulating targeted intervention strategies tailored to the challenges of border communities, are each crucial steps towards effective control and prevention. Closing these knowledge gaps on anthrax is not only essential for safeguarding both animal and human health but also for fostering sustainable and resilient communities. Addressing research questions on these interdisciplinary concerns will undoubtedly pave the way for informed decision-making, proactive measures, and a more secure future for Nigeria and its border regions.

中文翻译：

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抗击尼日利亚全国陆地边界的炭疽疫情：需要通过流行病学调查优化监测

炭疽是一种非传染性人畜共患疾病，由革兰氏阳性芽孢杆菌炭疽杆菌引起。感染常见于家畜和野生动物，如牛、山羊、绵羊、骆驼和羚羊。在人类中，接触受污染的尸体或牛奶和肉类等动物产品后可能会发生炭疽病。预防人类炭疽病的最佳方法是确保牲畜接种疫苗，这大大限制了人畜共患病传播给人类的风险。然而，西非游牧牧民饲养的家畜疫苗接种率较低。这些群体经常带着他们的牧群跨越国界。尼日利亚历来在遏制这一公共卫生威胁方面做得相对较好。然而，2023 年，多起人类疾病的爆发似乎与食用邻国牧民带入尼日利亚的受炭疽污染的动物产品有关。临床表现包括皮肤疮或溃疡、恶心、呕吐和发烧。本文旨在提高人们对西非最近爆发的炭疽病的认识，并呼吁重新关注采取措施来应对该地区这一被忽视的公共卫生问题。查明与尼日利亚不断出现的炭疽病例有关的关键问题的必要性怎么强调也不为过。通过深入研究居住在尼日利亚边境的牲畜和人群中炭疽的流行情况，揭示炭疽杆菌菌株的遗传多样性和潜在来源，并确定负责传播的主要动物宿主，我们将加深对炭疽病的了解这个关键问题。此外，调查导致炭疽传播的多方面因素、评估社区知识和做法、绘制牧民共同迁徙路线图以及针对边境社区面临的挑战制定有针对性的干预策略，都是有效控制和预防的关键步骤。弥合炭疽方面的知识差距不仅对于保障动物和人类健康至关重要，而且对于培育可持续和有复原力的社区也至关重要。解决这些跨学科问题的研究问题无疑将为尼日利亚及其边境地区的明智决策、积极措施和更安全的未来铺平道路。