Anthrax outbreak in Zambia kills 46 hippos, 8 elephants, 5 buffalo

An anthrax outbreak in northern Zambia has claimed 46 hippos, eight elephants, five buffalo and a crocodile, while 12 humans have been infected with the disease after consuming meat from wildlife carcasses that tested positive for anthrax, according to authorities.

The infected people have been under treatment while the government has deployed a multisectoral team to the affected Munyamadzi Game Reserve and river area in the Mpika district of the Muchinga province to contain the outbreak, the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit national coordinator Norman Chipakupaku said in a statement on Friday.

"Hunting in the affected area should be temporarily suspended until surveillance establishes the disease situation and associated risks. Any unexplained animal deaths should immediately be reported to the relevant authorities," he noted.

Wildlife police officers and checkpoints will be strengthened to secure the sites of carcasses, prevent their movement and consumption, as well as enhance reporting, Chipakupaku added.

He further urged the public not to consume meat from animals that died naturally or from unknown causes and not to come into contact with carcasses of animals.