Zambians warned not to eat dead wildlife after anthrax kills dozens of animals

What the report says

Zambian authorities have warned people not to eat or handle meat from wild animals found dead after an anthrax outbreak killed dozens of animals and left at least 12 people receiving treatment. BBC Africa reported that the deaths have affected wildlife in the Munyamadzi Game Management Area in Muchinga province, including hippos, elephants, buffaloes and a crocodile. Officials said the carcasses were later eaten by local residents who depend on the area for food.

The Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit said the outbreak has so far been linked to 46 hippos, eight elephants, five buffaloes and one crocodile dying since July. Authorities have urged the public to report any dead wildlife and not to consume, sell, distribute or handle meat from animals that die suddenly or for unknown reasons. Hunting in the affected area has also been suspended while investigations continue.

No deaths among people have been reported in this latest outbreak, and the 12 infected individuals are being treated. The BBC noted that anthrax is endemic in Zambia and can spread from animals to humans through contaminated meat or contact with infected animal products. More broadly, anthrax has caused major outbreaks in the country before, including a severe episode in 2023 and another large outbreak in 2011.