Anthrax, a neglected zoonotic disease that is transmitted by a spore-forming, rod-shaped bacterium, Bacillus anthracis, has reached endemic proportions in the Western Province of Zambia. Transmission of anthrax from the environment as well as between cattle has been observed to be partly because of entrenched beliefs, perceptions and traditional practices among cattle farmers in the known outbreak areas. This study was aimed at exploring lay perceptions, beliefs and practices that influence anthrax transmission in cattle of the Western Province. A mixed-methods study was conducted from August to December 2015. Quantitative data were collected using a cross-sectional survey. Qualitative data were generated by interviewing professional staff and community members. Five focus group discussions and five key informant interviews were conducted. Thematic analysis of interview data was performed using NVivo software. The findings suggested that cattle anthrax was biologically as well as culturally maintained. Cattle farmers were reluctant to have their livestock vaccinated against anthrax because of perceived low efficacy of the vaccine. Also, the cattle farmers did not trust professional staff and their technical interventions. Popular cultural practices that involved exchange of animals between herds contributed to uncontrolled cattle movements between herds and subsequent transmission of anthrax. These findings imply the need for professional staff to be culturally competent in handling socio-cultural issues that are known to be barriers for disease control in animals. There is a need to develop a policy framework that will foster integrated control of anthrax across disciplines.

Objective: The poultry industry plays a key role in developing socio-economic and health sectors in Bangladesh. Poultry waste is a potential environmental threat as untreated poultry waste is used in vegetable gardens. The study aimed to investigate the current situation of small-scale poultry farms and their waste management practices in selected areas of Bangladesh and detect Escherichia coli and Salmonella in vegetables from farms using untreated poultry waste as fertilizer. Materials and Methods: A structured questionnaire-based survey was conducted in 86 small-scale poultry farms from different upazilas of Mymensingh and Khulna districts. 104 samples, including vegetables, poultry litter, water, and soil, were collected from vegetable gardens, ponds, fields, and wet markets in Mymensingh district to detect microbial contamination. Bacteria were identified based on their growth and colony morphology on selective media and motility tests. The presence of E. coli and Salmonella was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using a commercial PCR kit. Results: The survey revealed that mostly middle-aged males were involved in poultry farming. Most of the farmers had primary education and engaged in farming for about 5 years without training. In the study area, 37% of farmers collected droppings daily in the morning and used them as organic fertilizer. About 58% of farmers did not know the hygienic handlings of droppings and faced health problems. In PCR, either E. coli or Salmonella or both were confirmed in vegeta¬bles, litter, soil, and pond water. Conclusion: Appropriate poultry waste management practices can reduce the possible contami¬nation of microbial agents in the human food chain. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2023; 10(1.000): 72-79]