In brief
An anthrax outbreak has killed dozens of hippopotamuses in Virunga National Park, part of the world’s oldest national park in eastern DR Congo. The disease, confirmed by lab tests, comes amid a severe Ebola crisis and conflict-driven drought that compromise wildlife safety. Park authorities are tracking cases and advising the public to avoid contact with dead animals.
An anthrax outbreak in eastern DR Congo’s Virunga National Park has killed at least 28 hippopotamuses in the last month, park officials say.
The deaths occurred along the Semuliki River, a waterway inside the world’s oldest national park, which spans 7,700 square kilometres.
Scientists confirmed the culprit is the bacterium Bacillus anthracis after testing the carcasses in a park laboratory.
The outbreak comes amid a major Ebola outbreak in the region and worsening drought and conflict, which experts say make animals more vulnerable.
Virunga National Park said in a press release:
This disease can be transmitted to humans through contact with a dead or sick animal or by consuming its meat.
Risk to Communities
Because anthrax can infect people who touch dead animals or eat contaminated meat, park staff have warned local residents not to touch or consume any carcasses.
Response by Park
Park officials say they are doing active surveillance, moving bodies for safe disposal, and keeping residents informed about the outbreak.
They are also coordinating the handling and removal of carcasses to reduce the risk to wildlife and people.
Michael Kambale, a Vitshumbi resident, said:
It was in mid‑September that we began to notice the mass deaths of hippos in the Semuliki River.
Joel Mbusa Mapoli, an ecology and veterinary expert, said the loss of hippos is a blow to the park’s ecosystem because the animals shape water and nutrient flows, and he called for urgent action.
According to The Tanzania Times:
With 30 animals already dead, experts warn that the disease may soon spread to humans.
The outbreak underscores how disease, conflict, and climate stress are threatening wildlife and putting nearby communities at risk.
