Anthrax: 18 hippos dead in Zambia’s Luangwa River Valley
In a follow-up to an Outbreak News Today report last month, the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) received the following information concerning an anthrax outbreak among hippopotami in Zambia from Dr Yona Sinkala, Director, Department of Veterinary Services, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, Lusaka, Zambia.
According to the notification Monday, the outbreak occurred at the North Luangwa Game Management Area, Chama. Eighteen hippos were reported as positive for the agent of anthrax, Bacillus anthracis.
The 18 were removed from the susceptible population through death, destruction and/or slaughter.
Another 200 hippos are considered susceptible to the lethal disease.
The affected hippos live along the valley of the Luangwa River (in Chikwa area) in the Game Management Area (GMA) which surrounds the North Luangwa National Park.
Zambian officials say no mortalities in hippos have been recorded since Sep. 30 and cattle in surrounding areas have been vaccinated.
The following measures have been taken in addition to vaccination: Disinfection / Disinfestation, surveillance outside containment and/or protection zone and surveillance within containment and/or protection zone.
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