A Retrospective Study of Anthrax in Livestock, from 2022 to 2025, in Shashemene District, West Arsi, Ethiopia

A retrospective descriptive study was conducted in the Shashemene District, Ethiopia, to investigate the epidemiology and species-specific distribution of livestock anthrax from January 2022 to November 2025. The primary objectives were to analyze seasonal trends, describe distribution across livestock species, and evaluate temporal and spatial associations of the disease. Data were collected from 194 case records and monthly reports across eight veterinary clinics using a census sampling method. The results demonstrated a significant association between seasonality and disease occurrence (<i>p = 0.021</i>), with 87.63% of cases concentrated during the long rainy season. Bovines accounted for the majority of cases (55.67%), while Ovine exhibited the highest attack rate at 0.85%. Spatial analysis identified distinct clustering within five specific kebeles, with Bura reporting the highest burden. While total cases declined from 90 in 2022 to zero by November 2025, all 194 cases were confirmed tentatively through clinical signs due to limited laboratory capacity. Logistic regression confirmed that the odds of an outbreak were significantly higher during the long rainy season (<i>OR = 6.81</i>) compared to the dry season. The study concluded that anthrax remains a localized but serious threat driven by environmental triggers. These findings highlight the necessity for targeted, pre-seasonal vaccination and the enhancement of diagnostic infrastructure to improve surveillance accuracy in high-risk areas.