117 hippo carcasses destroyed

Newly released figures indicate that 117 hippo and seven buffalo carcasses have been destroyed following an outbreak of anthrax in the Bwabwata National Park. According to the spokesperson of the environment and tourism ministry, Romeo Muyunda, the clean-up operation started on 13 October. He said 37 people are part of the operation.“The deaths of hippo and buffalo remain confined to the Buffalo and Mahango Core Areas of the Bwabwata National Park. Restricted access in these core areas remains in place,” said Muyunda. Furthermore the health ministry has put 724 people on prophylactic treatment against anthrax - mainly in the Mukwe Constituency - as a precautionary measure. So far, no cases of anthrax have been detected in humans or livestock, said Muyunda. Livestock movement restrictions in Mukwe Constituency also remain in place.“The vaccination of livestock against anthrax is expected to commence this week in the affected area and farmers are urged to bring their livestock to vaccination points,” Muyunda said. Awareness campaigns are also ongoing and the cooperation of the public has been remarkable, he added. Mass deaths of hippos were reported in the Okavango River in the Bwabwata National Park since 1 October. The mass deaths were confirmed by government officials on 7 October after an aerial survey of the area. The outbreak of anthrax was officially confirmed on 11 October.Anthrax is an infection caused by bacteria, Bacillus anthracis, usually transmitted from infected animals. It causes skin, lung and bowel disease. Most anthrax infections are deadly and occur when people touch contaminated animals or their products like wool, bone, hair, hide, or eat their carcasses. The infection occurs when the bacteria enters a cut on the skin.Anthrax infection through the skin presents with a raised, itchy and bumpy skin resembling an insect bite that quickly develops into a painless sore with a black centre and swelling.ELLANIE SMIT

117 hippo carcasses destroyed

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Namibian Sun 2025-07-03

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117 hippo carcasses destroyed

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Namibian Sun 2025-07-03

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