Geographic information system based analysis of the spatial distribution and epidemiology of anthrax in Mongolia (1964-2024)

Authors

  • Burmaa Khoroljav Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia https://orcid.org/0009-0000-9840-2355
  • Munkhdorj Darmaa Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, ACH Medical University, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia https://orcid.org/0009-0008-3663-276X
  • Adiyasuren Zeviimyadag Department of Research, Training, and Information Technology, National Center for Zoonotic Diseases Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9037-2160
  • Delgertsetseg Altankhuyag Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
  • Enkhtuguldur Myagmar-Ochir Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5160-2384
  • Davaa Gombojav Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia https://orcid.org/0009-0007-3910-3591

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.24079/CAJMS.2026.01.004

Keywords:

Anthrax, Zoonosis, Human and animal health, GIS, Mongolia

Abstract

Objective: Anthrax is a zoonotic disease that continues to pose a significant public health threat in Mongolia. This study aimed to conduct a spatiotemporal analysis of the geographic distribution and epidemiological characteristics of anthrax using geographic information system (GIS)–based methods Methods: A retrospective descriptive epidemiological study was performed using national surveillance data on human and animal anthrax cases reported between 1964 and 2024 by the National Center for Zoonotic Diseases and the General Authority for Veterinary Services. GIS-based spatial analyses incorporated natural landscape zoning, historical outbreak records, and microbiological evidence from environmental samples to identify anthrax natural foci and risk zones. Results: Natural foci were found in 187 soum districts across 18 provinces and major cities, based on overlapping human and animal cases and confirmed isolations of Bacillus anthracis. High-risk zones were mainly around Khuvsgul Lake, the Khangai Mountain Plateau, the Orkhon–Selenge Basin, and the Onon–Ulz River region. Overall, anthrax affected about 44.5% of Mongolia’s area, roughly 689,100 km². Most B. anthracis strains carried both Px01 and Px02 virulence plasmids. Conclusion: Anthrax remains endemic in Mongolia, with distinct ecological clustering. GIS-based analysis supports targeted surveillance and control within a One Health framework.

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Author Biography

Burmaa Khoroljav, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

Department of Research, Training, and Information Technology, National Center for Zoonotic Diseases Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

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Published

2026-03-30

How to Cite

Khoroljav, B., Darmaa, M., Zeviimyadag, A., Altankhuyag, D., Myagmar-Ochir, E., & Gombojav, D. (2026). Geographic information system based analysis of the spatial distribution and epidemiology of anthrax in Mongolia (1964-2024). Central Asian Journal of Medical Sciences, 12(1), 30–39. https://doi.org/10.24079/CAJMS.2026.01.004

Issue

Vol. 12 No. 1 (2026)

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Articles

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