Anthrax Kills Dozens of Hippos in Virunga National Park, DR Congo

A devastating anthrax outbreak has claimed the lives of at least 50 hippos in Virunga National Park, located in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo). Park officials discovered the dead animals, many floating in the Ishasha River, last week and have since confirmed anthrax as the cause of death.

Virunga National Park Director Emmanuel de Merode said efforts are underway to recover and bury the carcasses to prevent further spread of the disease. However, the lack of excavators and logistical challenges are hampering these efforts. "It's difficult due to lack of access and logistics," he told Reuters, adding, "We have the means to limit the spread by… burying them with caustic soda."

The Ishasha River flows into Lake Edward, one of Africa's great lakes, where reports of more dead animals have surfaced. This raises concerns about the potential for the outbreak to spread further and affect a wider range of wildlife.

Anthrax, caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis, can be deadly to animals and humans. The bacteria can survive for years as spores in the soil, becoming active when ingested or entering the body through cuts or wounds. While anthrax can be deadly, it typically does not spread easily from person to person.

The Congolese Institute for the Conservation of Nature has issued warnings to residents, urging them to avoid contact with wildlife and to boil water from local sources before drinking.

Virunga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of Africa's oldest and most biodiverse national parks. It is home to a significant population of hippos, as well as other iconic species like mountain gorillas. The park has faced numerous challenges in recent years, including poaching and armed conflict, which have threatened its wildlife populations and the safety of its rangers.

The hippo population in Virunga has been on the rise after a dramatic decline due to poaching and war.