At least 60 wild animals have died from anthrax in Muchinga province, while 12 people have contracted the disease after consuming meat from wildlife carcasses.
Muchinga, Zambia (Running Africa) — Zambian authorities have warned communities against eating, selling or handling meat from wildlife found dead after an anthrax outbreak in Muchinga province killed 60 animals and infected 12 people.
The country’s Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit said the wildlife deaths have been recorded since July in the Munyamadzi Game Management Area.
The dead animals include 46 hippos, eight elephants, five buffaloes and one crocodile, according to authorities.
12 People Contract Anthrax After Eating Dead Wildlife
Officials said 12 people contracted anthrax after consuming meat from wildlife that had died in the affected area.
All 12 are receiving treatment, and no human deaths have been reported.
Authorities have urged residents not to consume, sell or handle meat from animals that die naturally or under unexplained circumstances.
Communities have also been asked to report wildlife carcasses to authorities rather than attempting to butcher or move them.
Zambia Suspends Hunting in Anthrax-Affected Area
Hunting has been suspended in the affected area while officials investigate the scale of the outbreak and work to limit further exposure.
The deaths of dozens of hippos and other wildlife have raised concerns about the spread of anthrax among animals in the Munyamadzi Game Management Area and the potential risk to communities that come into contact with infected carcasses.
What Is Anthrax?
Anthrax is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis. People can become infected through contact with infected animals or contaminated animal products, including meat.
Outbreaks among livestock and wildlife can therefore create risks for communities where animals that die unexpectedly are handled or consumed.
Health and wildlife authorities are urging residents in the affected parts of Muchinga to follow official guidance while surveillance continues.
Zambia Previously Faced Major Anthrax Outbreak
The latest outbreak comes after Zambia experienced a major anthrax outbreak in 2023, which spread across nine of the country’s 10 provinces.
Four people died during that outbreak.
With 60 wildlife deaths and 12 human infections now reported in Muchinga, authorities are focusing on preventing further exposure by restricting hunting and warning communities to stay away from wildlife carcasses while investigations continue.
