{
  "id": 7307185,
  "title": "Zambians warned not to eat dead wildlife after anthrax kills dozens of animals",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/14/zambians-warned-not-to-eat-dead-wildlife-after-anthrax-kills-dozens",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-14T11:35:08.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "BBC Science",
    "slug": "bbc-science",
    "url": "https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ce8en6v3601o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Zambia's authorities have issued a warning against eating meat from dead wildlife following an anthrax outbreak that has claimed the lives of numerous animals including hippos, elephants, buffalo and a crocodile. Over the weekend, a disaster management agency official disclosed that 12 individuals have been infected with anthrax after consuming meat from dead animals in the Munyamadzi River region. The official cautioned the public not to consume meat from animals that pass away naturally or due to unknown causes, and to report any such incidents. Authorities have also called for a suspension of hunting in the affected area until the extent of the disease and related risks are determined. The geographical range of the latest outbreak remains unclear, as surveillance and laboratory tests are still ongoing. While anthrax is endemic to Zambia, human fatalities are rare. In 2023, the nation experienced an unprecedented outbreak which resulted in four deaths and spread to nine of the country's ten provinces. A significant outbreak occurred in 2011, with over 500 cases, resulting in five deaths after people consumed meat from infected hippos. In the current situation in the Munyamadzi Game Management Area, located in Muchinga province, authorities have reported that 46 hippos, eight elephants, five buffalo and one crocodile have died since July. The unlucky plight of these animals is that the carcasses were subsequently consumed by locals who rely on them for sustenance, explained the unit's national coordinator, Norman Chipakupaku. No human deaths have been confirmed, and the 12 infected individuals are currently receiving medical treatment. Anthrax is caused by the Bacillus anthracis bacteria, which primarily survives as spores in soil for years before infecting animals through inhalation or a cut or wound. It predominantly affects grazing animals and can cause sudden death. Humans can contract anthrax by coming into contact with contaminated animal products. Zambians have been advised not to consume, sell, distribute or handle meat from animals that have died suddenly or are suspected of having anthrax. The public has also been instructed to avoid handling wild animals.",
  "summary": "At least 12 people are being treated for anthrax after eating infected meat from wildlife carcasses.",
  "key_points": [
    "Authorities warn against eating meat from dead wildlife in Zambia.",
    "12 people infected with anthrax after consuming contaminated meat."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "BBC World",
        "title": "Zambians warned not to eat dead wildlife after anthrax kills dozens of animals",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/14/zambians-warned-not-to-eat-dead-wildlife-after-anthrax-kills-dozens-7307224",
        "published": "2026-09-14T11:35:08.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "MyJoyOnline Ghana",
        "title": "Zambians warned not to eat dead wildlife after anthrax kills dozens of animals",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/14/zambians-warned-not-to-eat-dead-wildlife-after-anthrax-kills-dozens-7320046",
        "published": "2026-09-14T12:59:18.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}