Livestock anthrax vaccination coverage and its associated factors among livestock farmers in Momba district council, Tanzania

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: Anthrax, caused by Bacillus anthracis, poses significant risks to both human and animal health. Despite the availability of effective vaccines, livestock anthrax vaccination coverage remains critically low in Momba District Council, Tanzania, leading to recurrent outbreaks. This study aimed to determine livestock anthrax vaccination coverage and factors contributing to low uptake among farmers in Momba District Council. Methodology: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from May to June 2024 using a structured questionnaire administered to livestock farmers in Momba District Council. Participants were selected through a multistage cluster sampling technique where a district was first divided into clusters of wards followed by clusters of villages, then study participants were randomly selected, ensuring a representative sample. Data on demographic factors, socio-economic status, and barriers to vaccination were collected. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed for the demographic factors, followed by modified Poisson regression to identify significant factors associated with low livestock anthrax vaccination coverage. Results: A total of 435 livestock farmers were included, with a median age of 41 years IQR (34-52 years). The majority were male 404/435 (92.87%) and had low education levels: 48.97% had primary education and 45.75% had no formal education. The median household size was 8 people (IQR 6-13). The overall anthrax vaccination coverage was 32.8%, with 37.8% (11698/30,968) for cattle, 22.3% (2125/9534) for goats, and 18.4% (712/3862) for sheep. Factors associated with low anthrax vaccination coverage included lack of information about vaccination schedules (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR] 1.41, 95% CI 1.18-1.68), having primary education (aPR 0.74, 95% CI 0.67-0.94) compared to no formal education, household size with 1-10 members (aPR 0.82, 95% CI 0.72-0.94) compared to households with ≥40 members, and seasonal migration of livestock (aPR 0.73, 95% CI 0.64-0.84) compared to those without seasonal migration in search of pasture Conclusion: Momba District Council livestock anthrax vaccination coverage is below the 70% recommendation by the World Organization of Animal Health, posing a public health risk. A One Health approach, including regular training, timely vaccination schedules, and stronger collaboration between veterinarians and human health officers, is recommended to raise up the livestock anthrax vaccination coverage.