Zambian authorities have cautioned residents against consuming meat from wild animals following an anthrax outbreak that has killed dozens of hippos, elephants, buffaloes and a crocodile.
The Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit said 46 hippos, eight elephants, five buffaloes and one crocodile had died since July in the Munyamadzi Game Management Area in Muchinga Province.
National coordinator of the agency, Norman Chipakupaku, said 12 people had contracted the disease after eating meat from carcasses found in the Munyamadzi River area.
The affected individuals are receiving medical treatment, while no human fatalities have been recorded.
Mr Chipakupaku said the situation was particularly concerning because some communities depend on wildlife meat for food.
He appealed to residents to immediately notify authorities whenever they discovered animals that had died unexpectedly.
Officials have also directed that hunting activities within the affected zone be halted temporarily as investigations continue to determine how widely the infection has spread and the potential danger to communities.
Anthrax is caused by Bacillus anthracis, a bacterium capable of remaining dormant in soil for years in the form of spores. It commonly affects grazing animals and can cause sudden death.
Humans can contract the infection through contact with contaminated animals or animal products, including meat from infected wildlife.
Zambia has previously recorded serious anthrax outbreaks.
In 2023, an unusually widespread episode affected nine of the country’s 10 provinces and resulted in four deaths.
A separate outbreak in 2011 recorded more than 500 cases and claimed five lives, with victims reportedly becoming infected after eating meat from diseased hippos.
Authorities are urging people to avoid eating, selling, distributing or touching meat obtained from animals that die suddenly or are suspected of carrying anthrax while surveillance and laboratory testing continue.
By: Magdalene Agyeiwaa Sarpong