At least 50 hippos and other wildlife have been lost to anthrax poisoning in Virunga National Park, the oldest national park in Africa, according to park officials. Images reveal the lifeless hippos drifting in the Ishasha River, first spotted last week. Although the precise cause of the anthrax outbreak is not fully understood, tests affirm its presence in the park.
Emmanuel De Merode, the park director, explained that recovery operations to safely bury the deceased animals are underway, but lack of excavators and logistical challenges complicate efforts. The river flows into Lake Edward, raising concerns as more dead animals are reported nearby.
Anthrax, caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis, can be lethal but typically does not spread rapidly. It can lie dormant in the soil for years, infecting animals through inhalation or wounds. The Congolese Institute for the Conservation of Nature has urged locals to avoid wild animals and boil their water before drinking to prevent further contamination.
Spanning 7,800 sq km, Virunga is noted for its vast biodiversity despite facing significant danger due to ongoing conflicts involving armed rebel groups vying for control of the region. This conflict has hindered conservation efforts and security for both wildlife and rangers, many of whom have tragically died in the line of duty. In recent years, initiatives aimed at increasing the hippo population face setbacks from poaching and warfare.
