Anthrax suspected in 46 hippo deaths in Zambia amid potential spillover to humans
Zambia is investigating wildlife deaths and human exposure linked to an anthrax outbreak in the northern province of Muchinga, where several hippos have died since the outbreak was reported on Aug. 31. While other wildlife deaths have also been reported, hippos (Hippopotamus amphibius) are the species with the clearest laboratory evidence of anthrax, according to […]
Zambia is investigating an anthrax outbreak that has killed 46 hippos and has the potential to affect humans. The outbreak was first reported on August 31 in the northern province of Muchinga. Although hippo deaths are the most clearly documented, other wildlife deaths have also been observed in the affected area. Raymond Hamoonga, Zambia’s national One Health coordinator, stated that while current mortality rates do not indicate a threat to hippo populations, intensified surveillance and continued monitoring are necessary.
Of the 46 hippos reported to have died, only one animal has tested positive for anthrax. Samples from 10 elephants have been investigated but none have been confirmed to contain anthrax. Buffalo deaths have not been attributed to anthrax without supporting laboratory evidence. Anthrax is a zoonotic disease that can be contracted by humans through contact with infected animals or contaminated products.
On September 10, Zambia's National Disaster Risk Management Division issued an advisory urging caution regarding the potential for further wildlife deaths and human exposure at the wildlife-livestock-human interface.
Written by urgent.news from Mongabay's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
