Zambia Anthrax Outbreak Kills Dozens of Hippos, Infects 12 People

(MENAFN) An anthrax outbreak sweeping through northern Zambia has killed 46 hippos, eight elephants, five buffalo and a crocodile, while 12 people have contracted the disease after eating meat from wildlife carcasses that later tested positive for anthrax, authorities said.

The infected individuals are currently receiving treatment, while the government has dispatched a multisectoral response team to the affected Munyamadzi Game Reserve and surrounding river area in the Mpika district of Muchinga province to bring the outbreak under control, according to a Friday statement from Norman Chipakupaku, national coordinator of the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit.

Chipakupaku called for a temporary halt on hunting in the affected zone while surveillance teams work to assess the scope of the outbreak and its risks, stressing that "any unexplained animal deaths should immediately be reported to the relevant authorities."

He added that wildlife police presence and checkpoints in the area will be reinforced to secure carcass sites, block their movement or consumption, and improve reporting of new cases. Chipakupaku further urged the public to avoid eating meat from animals that died from unknown or natural causes and to steer clear of contact with animal carcasses altogether.

MENAFN12092026000045017169ID1111655568