Anthrax suspected in deaths of 46 hippos in Zambia as human cases are investigated
Authorities have confirmed the disease in one hippo and one person so far, and are urging residents not to handle or eat meat from animals found dead.
Zambian authorities are investigating a suspected anthrax outbreak in the northern province of Muchinga, where 46 hippos have been reported dead since the outbreak was first reported Aug. 31.
Anthrax has been confirmed by laboratory tests in only one hippo so far, said Raymond Hamoonga, Zambia's national One Health coordinator. He said the deaths do not currently threaten hippo populations but are “significant enough to warrant intensified surveillance.”
Tests on five buffalo carcasses were negative, and samples from 10 elephants that have died since June are still being analyzed. “Buffalo and elephant deaths should not presently be attributed to anthrax without supporting laboratory evidence,” Hamoonga said.
As of Sept. 21, 21 people were suspected of having contracted the disease, with one laboratory-confirmed case and no deaths. Officials believe most were exposed by handling or eating meat from animals found dead. Anthrax, caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis, mainly affects wildlife and livestock but can spread to people through contact with infected animals.
Zambia's disaster management agency has urged residents not to eat, handle or sell meat from animals that may have died of anthrax, and a national vaccination campaign is underway. A 2023 outbreak killed four people in the country.
This brief is based on reporting by Victoria Schneider, published Sept. 24, 2026, on Mongabay. Read the original: https://news.mongabay.com/short-article/2026/09/anthrax-suspected-in-46-hippo-deaths-in-zambia-amid-potential-spillover-to-humans/
This article was produced with the assistance of AI tools and reviewed by an editor before publication.
