Zambia Reports 12 Anthrax Infections from Wildlife Consumption

Zambia’s Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit announced that 12 individuals have been infected with anthrax after consuming dead wildlife in the Munyamadzi River area of Muchinga province. The unit's national coordinator, Norman Chipakupaku, advised the public against consuming, selling, or handling meat from animals that died suddenly or from unknown causes.

Authorities have suspended hunting in the affected area until the extent of the outbreak is determined. Surveillance and laboratory investigations are ongoing, as officials have not yet established the full geographical extent of the outbreak.

Anthrax is endemic in Zambia, but human fatalities are rare. In 2023, an unprecedented outbreak resulted in four deaths across nine provinces.

Since July, 46 hippos, eight elephants, five buffaloes, and one crocodile have died in the Munyamadzi Game Management Area. Currently, no human deaths have been reported, and the infected individuals are receiving treatment.