Zambia Anthrax Outbreak Prompts Warning on Wildlife Meat

Zambian authorities warn against consuming meat from dead wildlife after an anthrax outbreak kills dozens of animals and infects 12 people.

By Anya Sharma •2 min read

Zambia Anthrax Outbreak Prompts Warning on Wildlife Meat

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 disaster management agency official said over the weekend that 12 people had been infected with the disease after consuming dead wildlife in the Munyamadzi River area.

What animals have died in the current outbreak?

Since July, 46 hippos, eight elephants, five buffaloes and one crocodile have died in the Munyamadzi Game Management Area in Muchinga province. The Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit confirmed the deaths. National coordinator Norman Chipakupaku said the carcasses ended up being eaten by local people who depend on them for food.

Why are officials warning against eating dead wildlife?

Anthrax spreads from infected animals to humans through contact with contaminated meat or products. The 12 confirmed human cases occurred after people ate meat from animals that died in the Munyamadzi River area. No deaths among humans have been reported so far, and those affected are receiving treatment. Authorities urged the public not to consume meat from animals that die naturally or from unknown causes and to report any such cases.

How does anthrax spread in Zambia?

The disease is caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis, which persists as spores in soil for years. It primarily affects grazing animals and can enter through inhalation or wounds. It can be transmitted from animals to humans through contact with contaminated animal products. Zambia has experienced larger outbreaks before, including one in 2023 that reached nine of ten provinces and killed four people, and another in 2011 that caused more than 500 cases and five deaths linked to infected hippo meat. Anthrax is endemic to Zambia but human deaths are not common.

What measures are authorities taking?

Hunting has been suspended in the affected area until the full extent of the outbreak is known. Officials have not yet ascertained the full geographical extent of the latest outbreak, with surveillance and laboratory investigations ongoing. Residents are advised not to consume, sell, distribute or handle meat from any animal that dies suddenly or from suspected anthrax. The public has also been advised against handling wild animals.

Frequently asked questions

Is anthrax common in Zambia?

Anthrax is endemic in parts of the country, though large outbreaks in both animals and humans remain infrequent.

Can anthrax be prevented in humans?

Avoiding contact with and consumption of dead or sick animals is the main preventive step recommended by health officials.

Are more human cases expected?

Investigations are continuing, but current reports indicate the 12 infected individuals are the only confirmed cases so far.

Key takeaways

46 hippos, eight elephants, five buffaloes and one crocodile have died since July in Muchinga province.
Twelve people contracted anthrax after eating meat from the dead animals.
No human deaths have been recorded in this outbreak.
Hunting remains suspended while testing continues.
Residents are urged not to eat, sell or handle carcasses of unknown cause.

By Anya Sharma

Anya Sharma brings a deep understanding of Politics and Culture to her analysis, exploring how global power dynamics intersect with societal norms and artistic expression. She is particularly adept at uncovering the subtle ways political decisions shape cultural landscapes and how cultural movements, in turn, influence political discourse across AF. Her work ranges from incisive daily analyses of unfolding international events to comprehensive explainers that unpack complex geopolitical shifts, and often extends to longer, investigative pieces that trace the historical and cultural roots of contemporary conflicts. Anya's approach to a story begins with meticulous research into both official policy documents and grassroots cultural narratives. She cross-references information from a wide array of sources, including academic journals, local media, and direct conversations with community leaders and cultural practitioners, ensuring that her reporting is both authoritative and nuanced. She is known for her rigorous fact-checking process, verifying every detail against multiple independent sources to ensure accuracy and impartiality. Readers who follow Anya's reporting gain a sophisticated understanding of the interconnectedness of global politics and cultural identity. Her insights offer clarity on why certain regions respond to political developments in specific ways, and how cultural values often underpin national interests, providing a richer, more holistic view of world events than is typically found in conventional geopolitical reporting.