Anthrax Outbreak Kills Dozens of Wild Animals in Zambia

An anthrax outbreak in Zambia has killed dozens of wild animals, including hippos and elephants. Officials are now warning people in the affected area not to eat or handle animals found dead.

The outbreak is centered around the Munyamadzi Game Management Area in Muchinga Province. Zambia’s National Disaster Risk Management Division says, according to BBC, 46 hippos, eight elephants, five buffaloes and one crocodile have died since July.

The outbreak has also affected people. Twelve people contracted anthrax after eating meat from dead wildlife, but no human deaths have been reported. The patients are receiving treatment.

The government first warned about suspected anthrax cases in Muchinga Province on Sept. 10. At the time, officials said they were investigating animal deaths in Mpika, Lavushimanda and Shiwang’andu districts.

Most of the Animals Were Hippos

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Hippos make up most of the animals killed in the outbreak, with 46 deaths reported so far. Eight elephants, five buffaloes and a crocodile have also died.

Officials are still trying to determine how far the outbreak has spread. Surveillance and laboratory investigations are continuing in the affected area.

People Are Being Told to Stay Away From Carcasses

The National Disaster Risk Management Division has told people not to consume, sell, distribute, or handle meat from animals that die suddenly or are suspected of having anthrax.

Officials have also called for hunting in the affected area to stop while they investigate the outbreak. Police checkpoints and wildlife patrols have reportedly been increased to keep contaminated meat from being moved out of the area.

Zambia Has Dealt With Anthrax Before

Anthrax is caused by the bacteria Bacillus anthracis and can spread to people through infected animals or contaminated animal products. The bacteria can also survive in soil for years.

Zambia experienced a much larger outbreak in 2023 that spread to nine of the country’s 10 provinces. The World Health Organization reported 684 suspected human cases and four deaths during that outbreak.