Data update on anthrax stationary hazardous areas and soil foci as a basis for improving epizootological and epidemiological monitoring for anthrax in the Russian Federation

Introduction. Anthrax is registered annually in the Russian Federation. The constant risk of complication of the epizootological and epidemiological situation on anthrax is due to the widespread distribution of soil foci of infection (anthrax burials (AB), «pestilence fields») and associated stationary hazardous areas (SHA). The aim is to update data on anthrax SHA and soil foci in order to improve epidemiological surveillance of anthrax in the Russian Federation. Materials and methods. Archival and reference materials on anthrax SHA and soil foci, accounting and reporting data of territorial bodies of Rospotrebnadzor and veterinary service were used. The selection of criteria for characterizing anthrax SHA, AB and «pestilence fields» was carried out, using which the structure of databases of anthrax SHA and soil foci was developed. Results. For the first time, electronic databases of anthrax SHA and soil foci on the territory of Russia were developed, containing updated information of the characteristics of 32566 SHA and 3314 soil foci (3185 AB and 129 «pestilence fields»). Analysis of the data revealed a decrease in the number of SHA and AB in the country compared to the reference data, as well as a lack of correlation between the counted number of SHA and AB in most regions, indicating the presence of a large number of unreported AB and the persistence of potential risks of infection situation complications. Conclusion. The introduction of up-to-date databases of anthrax SHA and soil foci into the practice of Rospotrebnadzor bodies and institutions and veterinary services will improve the level of information support and efficiency of epidemiological surveillance of anthrax in the Russian Federation.