Anthrax suspected in 46 hippo deaths in Zambia amid potential spillover to humans

Zambian authorities are investigating an anthrax outbreak in Muchinga province after 46 hippo deaths since Aug. 31, though only one animal has been laboratory-confirmed with the disease, according to national One Health coordinator Raymond Hamoonga. Samples from five buffalo carcasses tested negative, and results from 10 elephant deaths reported since June remain pending.

As of Sept. 21, 21 people in Muchinga were suspected of anthrax exposure, with one case laboratory-confirmed and no deaths reported, most believed linked to handling or eating meat from carcasses. Zambia's National Disaster Risk Management Division has urged residents not to consume, handle or sell meat from suspect animals and to report carcasses immediately.

Zambia has faced anthrax outbreaks before, including one in 2023 that killed four people and infected many more across nine provinces. Authorities are now running a national livestock vaccination campaign alongside continued surveillance and testing.

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