Zambian authorities have warned people not to eat or handle wildlife that has died suddenly after an anthrax outbreak killed dozens of animals and infected 12 people who consumed meat from dead wildlife.
The outbreak has been reported in the Munyamadzi Game Management Area in Muchinga province, where dozens of hippos, elephants, buffaloes and a crocodile have died since July.
Fast Facts
- Animals killed: 46 hippos, eight elephants, five buffaloes and one crocodile
- Human infections: 12
- Human deaths: None reported
- Location: Munyamadzi Game Management Area, Muchinga province, Zambia
- Disease: Anthrax, caused by Bacillus anthracis
- Main warning: Do not eat, sell, distribute or handle meat from animals that die suddenly or from suspected anthrax
- Current response: Surveillance and laboratory investigations are continuing
The 12 people infected with anthrax are receiving treatment, according to Zambia’s Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit. Authorities have not reported any human deaths from the latest outbreak.
The warning comes after officials said local people had consumed carcasses of wildlife that died from the disease.
Dozens of wild animals have died
The scale of the wildlife deaths has raised concern over how widely the outbreak may have spread.
Since July, authorities have recorded the deaths of 46 hippos, eight elephants, five buffaloes and one crocodile in the affected area.
Norman Chipakupaku, the disaster management unit’s national coordinator, said one of the major concerns was that wildlife carcasses were being eaten by local communities that depend on the animals as a source of food.
Authorities are now urging people to report animals found dead rather than attempting to recover or consume their meat.
Hunting suspended in affected area
Officials have also called for hunting in the affected area to be suspended while investigations continue.
The full geographical extent of the outbreak has not yet been established. Surveillance and laboratory testing are being carried out to determine the level of risk and whether the disease has spread beyond the currently affected area.
The public has been told not to consume, sell or distribute meat from animals that die suddenly or from unknown causes.
People have also been warned against handling affected wildlife or animal products.
How anthrax spreads
Anthrax is caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis.
The bacteria can survive for years in the environment in the form of spores, particularly in soil. Animals can become infected when spores enter their bodies through inhalation, ingestion or cuts and wounds.
The disease mainly affects grazing animals and can cause sudden death.
People can become infected through contact with infected animals or contaminated animal products, including meat.
That makes the discovery and handling of dead wildlife particularly dangerous during an outbreak.
Zambia has seen major anthrax outbreaks before
Anthrax is endemic in Zambia, meaning the disease occurs naturally in the country.
Human deaths are relatively uncommon, but Zambia experienced an unusually large outbreak in 2023.
That outbreak killed four people and spread across nine of the country’s 10 provinces.
A previous major outbreak in 2011 resulted in more than 500 reported cases and five deaths. Officials linked those deaths to people consuming meat from infected hippos.
The history has made the latest wildlife outbreak a significant public-health concern, particularly in communities where bushmeat can be an important source of food.
Why authorities are urging people to leave carcasses alone
Wild animals that die naturally or from an unknown cause can appear to be an immediate source of meat for communities living near wildlife areas.
But during an anthrax outbreak, a carcass can contain infectious material, while disturbance of the animal can increase the risk of exposure.
Authorities therefore want people to report dead wildlife instead of cutting up, transporting, selling or eating the meat.
The latest warning covers not only consumption but also the sale, distribution and handling of potentially contaminated meat.
For now, investigators are working to establish how far the outbreak has spread and the extent of the risk to people and wildlife.
FAQs
How many people have been infected with anthrax in the latest Zambia outbreak?
Twelve people have been infected, according to officials. No human deaths have been reported.
How many animals have died?
Authorities have reported 46 hippos, eight elephants, five buffaloes and one crocodile since July.
Can people get anthrax from eating infected meat?
Yes. People can become infected through contaminated animal products, including meat from infected animals.
What should people do if they find a dead wild animal?
Authorities are urging people not to handle, eat, sell or distribute meat from animals that died suddenly or from unknown causes, and to report the carcass.
What causes anthrax?
Anthrax is caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis, which can survive in soil for years as spores.
