Zambia Warns Public Against Eating Wildlife After Anthrax Kills Dozens of Animals

Authorities in Zambia have urged citizens to avoid eating meat from wildlife following an anthrax outbreak that has claimed the lives of dozens of animals, including hippos, elephants, buffalo, and a crocodile. The Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit reported that 12 individuals were infected after consuming meat from deceased animals in the Munyamadzi River area over the weekend.

The incident occurred in the Munyamadzi Game Management Area within Muchinga province. Since July, the outbreak has resulted in the deaths of 46 hippos, eight elephants, five buffaloes, and one crocodile. Norman Chipakupaku, the unit’s national coordinator, highlighted the difficult circumstances driving these infections, noting that local communities rely on wildlife for sustenance.

While human fatalities have not been reported, the 12 infected patients are currently receiving medical treatment. Officials have suspended hunting in the affected region until the full extent of the disease and associated risks can be determined. Surveillance and laboratory investigations are ongoing to map the geographical spread of the outbreak.

Anthrax, caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis, primarily affects grazing animals and can lead to sudden death. The bacteria survive as spores in soil for years, entering animals through inhalation or open wounds. Transmission to humans typically occurs through contact with contaminated animal products.

This event echoes previous outbreaks in Zambia. In 2023, the country faced what officials described as an “unprecedented outbreak” that killed four people and spread across nine of its ten provinces. A similar large-scale event in 2011 resulted in over 500 cases and five deaths after people consumed meat from infected hippos.

Health officials are reminding the public not to consume, sell, distribute, or handle meat from animals that have died suddenly or from suspected anthrax. The public is also advised against handling wild animals and to report any instances of natural animal deaths to authorities.