Zambian health officials warn against wildlife consumption as anthrax kills dozens of animals

Authorities in Zambia have warned people not to eat meat from wildlife after dozens of wild animals, including hippos, elephants, buffalo and a crocodile died following an anthrax outbreak.

A senior official from the country’s disaster management agency reported over the weekend that 12 individuals have contracted anthrax after eating wildlife that died in the Munyamadzi River region.

The official urged residents to avoid consuming meat from animals that die unexpectedly or from unknown causes and to report any such incidents immediately.

Authorities have also called for a suspension of hunting activities in the affected area until the full scope of the disease and its risks can be assessed.

Officials have not yet determined the complete geographical spread of the current outbreak, as surveillance and laboratory investigations remain underway.

Anthrax is endemic in Zambia, though human fatalities are rare. In 2023, the nation faced what was termed an “unprecedented outbreak,” resulting in four deaths and affecting nine of its ten provinces.

Another major outbreak occurred in 2011, involving over 500 cases, after which five individuals died from consuming meat from infected hippos.

In the most recent outbreak, which originated in the Munyamadzi Game Management Area of Muchinga province, Zambia’s Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit reported that 46 hippos, eight elephants, five buffaloes, and one crocodile have died since July.

“The tragic aspect of these wildlife deaths is that the carcasses were consumed by local residents who rely on them for sustenance,” said the unit’s national coordinator, Norman Chipakupaku.

No fatalities have been reported, and the 12 infected individuals are presently undergoing medical treatment.

Anthrax is caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis, which typically persists in soil as long‑lasting spores that can enter an animal via inhalation or through cuts and wounds.

The disease primarily impacts grazing livestock and can result in rapid death; transmission to humans occurs through contact with contaminated animal products.

Zambians have been urged to refrain from consuming, selling, distributing, or handling meat from animals that have died suddenly or from suspected anthrax, and the public is advised not to handle wild animals.

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