The anthrax cluster in Munyamadzi Game Management Area, Muchinga Province, has killed at least 60 wild animals (46 hippos among them) since July. Twelve people who ate meat from carcasses contracted anthrax; all are receiving treatment and no deaths have been reported. Authorities have suspended hunting, increased patrols and checkpoints, and urged residents not to handle or trade meat from animals that die suddenly. Surveillance and laboratory testing are ongoing to contain the outbreak.
Anthrax Outbreak in Zambia Kills Dozens of Hippos and Elephants; 12 People Infected
Image Credit: Jonathan Göhner on Unsplash.
An anthrax outbreak centered in the Munyamadzi Game Management Area of Muchinga Province, Zambia, has killed dozens of wild animals since July and infected several people. Authorities are urging residents not to handle, sell or eat meat from animals found dead while veterinary and public health teams investigate and contain the cluster.
Outbreak Overview
According to Zambia’s National Disaster Risk Management Division and reports cited by the BBC, the death toll so far includes 46 hippos, 8 elephants, 5 buffaloes and 1 crocodile. The government first issued an alert about suspected anthrax in Muchinga Province on Sept. 10 and named Mpika, Lavushimanda and Shiwang'andu districts among the areas under investigation.
Human Cases and Public Health Response
Health officials report that 12 people contracted anthrax after eating meat from dead wildlife. All patients are receiving treatment and, to date, no human fatalities have been reported. Authorities have stepped up surveillance, laboratory testing and on-the-ground investigations to determine the outbreak’s full extent.
Containment Measures
The National Disaster Risk Management Division has warned residents not to consume, sell, distribute or handle meat from animals that die suddenly or are suspected of having anthrax. Hunting in the affected area has been suspended while police checkpoints and increased wildlife patrols work to prevent contaminated meat from leaving the region.
What Is Anthrax?
Anthrax is caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis. People can become infected through direct contact with infected animals or contaminated animal products; inhalation or ingestion are possible routes depending on exposure. The bacterium forms hardy spores that can persist in soil for many years, complicating eradication in affected zones.
Context
Zambia experienced a much larger anthrax event in 2023 that spread to nine of the country’s 10 provinces; the World Health Organization recorded 684 suspected human cases and four deaths during that outbreak. Authorities say the current response includes coordinated veterinary, public health and law-enforcement actions to limit further spread and protect communities.
Public Advice: If you find an animal that died suddenly, do not touch it or attempt to butcher it. Report the carcass to local veterinary or public health authorities immediately.
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