Problems of natural, technical and social nature are any factors that could explain the existence of anthrax in the District of Southwest Sumba (DSS). Each of the problem needs a cross-sectoral cooperative to solve. The purpose of this study was to reveal factors technically associated with cases of anthrax utilize a case-control study design, and those from natural origin that contribute to the existence of the disease. A total of 60 anthrax cases in buffalo and horse was selected as cases. Controls were obtained from neighbouring village and species, sex and age-matched to the cases. Risk factors were obtained by means of a questionnaire for the owner of corresponding animal, while data on average temperature, relative humidity, rainfall and soil pH and type were kindly supplied by the responsible bodies. The determination of the altitude and the coordinate of a case point was conducted using a global positioning system. The association between each of the risk factors and cases of anthrax was evaluated statistically using χ2 test or fisher exact test, and the strength of the association was measured as odds ratio (OR). Unweighted logistic regression and Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness of fit test were used to evaluate the association between each of the factors and the odds of an anthrax case in the presence of other factor. The results showed that separately, vaccination status (OR=2,90), farmer’s response in vaccination (OR=19,17), communal pasture (OR=23,18), source of water (OR=7,07), and owner’s knowledge about anthrax (OR=13,75) were statistically associated with the case of anthrax. The unweighted logistic regression model included communal pasture (coef +2,48148;OR=11,99), owner’s response in vaccination (+1,93034;OR=6,89), and owner’s knowledge about anthrax (+1,11259;OR=3,04). The sensitivity of the model was found to be 68,3%, and specificity of 91,7%. In conclusion, factors associated with anthrax in DSS are in good agreement with those revealed in other parts of the world. The weather, humidity, soil pH and the position of DSS support the maintenance of the spore in the environment. While natural factors needs a cross-sectoral coordination to improve, technical factors as has been revealed by this study could be handled by the government of DSS.
Key words : anthrax, District of Southwest Sumba, case-control, logistic regression
MARSENI BANNE RINGGI (08/275857/PKH/0376)
Supervisor: Dr. drh. AETH Wahyuni, M.Si and Prof.drh. Setyawan Budiharta, MPH.,Ph.D