Surveillance of Anthrax Foci Across Pipeline Constructions in Georgia, 2003-2014

Anthrax is an endemic infection in Georgia. More than 2,000 affected foci exist in the country with approximately 10% being active. Since 2003, an active surveillance program across pipeline construction sites has been ongoing. This study reports the results of soil samples tested from 2003-2014, which revealed a number of Bacillus anthracis isolates thereby indicating their presence at several sites. The construction sites have since been decontaminated. These results highlights the utility and importance of active surveillance campaigns on such especially dangerous pathogens.