Epidemiological analysis if anthrax in Xinjiang from 2000 to 2006

Objective This study was designed to review the anthrax surveillance work in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region from 2003 to 2006. Methods This macro analysis was performed based on the data on anthrax from 2000 to 2006 in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region(hereinafter referred to as Xinjiang) in order to yield better achievement of relevant surveillance work. Results The incidence of anthrax in Xinjiang presented a downward trend, the cases being mostly sporadic and occasionally outbreak with no death cases found. Kashi in the Southern Xinjiang was still a high-incidence area. The anthrax in Xinjiang was of the agricultural type with obvious seasonal characteristics, epidemic in summer and autumn. Two peaks were found in the age distribution, indicating that children and young adults were mostly involved; it was suggested from the occupational distribution that farmers were the mainly affected group. Conclusion An incidence and prevalence of anthrax among livestock was often found to occur prior to the anthrax epidemic between human beings. Therefore, intensified surveillance on the anthrax epidemic among farm animals is required along with organized and planned prevention and treatment of anthrax to minimize the hazards.