An anthrax outbreak in northern Zambia has killed 46 hippos, eight elephants, five buffalo and a crocodile, authorities said.
Twelve people also contracted the disease after eating meat from infected wildlife carcasses. They are receiving medical treatment, according to Norman Chipakupaku, national coordinator of Zambia’s Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit.
The government has deployed a multisectoral response team to the Munyamadzi Game Reserve and surrounding river areas in Mpika district, Muchinga province, to contain the outbreak.
Chipakupaku said hunting should be temporarily suspended in the affected area until surveillance teams determine the scale of the outbreak and the risks it poses.
Authorities are strengthening wildlife patrols and checkpoints to secure carcass sites and prevent contaminated meat from being removed or consumed.
Residents have been urged to report unexplained animal deaths immediately and avoid touching carcasses or eating meat from animals that died naturally or from unknown causes.
