Identifying Edaphic Factors and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index Metrics Driving Wildlife Mortality From Anthrax in Kenya’s Wildlife Areas

Anthrax, an acute disease of homeotherms caused by soil-borne Bacillus anthracis is implicated in dramatic declines wildlife mainly sub-Saharan Africa. Anthrax outbreaks are often localized space and time. Therefore, understanding predictors the spatial temporal occurrence anthrax areas useful supporting early warning improved response targeting measures to reduce impact epizootic risk on populations. Spatial localization hypothesized be driven edaphic factors, while thought extreme weather events including temperature, humidity, rainfall, drought. Here, we test role select factors normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) metrics structure climate variability patterns mortality from key Kenya over a 20-year period, 2000 2019. There was positive association between number total months reported during study period nitrogen organic carbon content soil each area. The monthly (timing) Lake Nakuru (with most intense outbreaks) positively related previous month’s heterogeneity NDVI deviation means. Generalized linear models revealed that year (intensity) NDVI, cation exchange capacity soil. These results, examined light experimental studies persistence amplification enlighten mechanisms which these driving localization.