Anthrax results expected tomorrow
More than 100 hippos and 20 buffalo have been found dead in the Bwabwata National Park, suspected to have died from anthrax.
According to the parks deputy director of the north-east regions, Apollinaris Kannyinga, the latest assessment done on Saturday indicated that a total of 109 hippos had died in the floodplains of Bwabwata West.
“We have not done an assessment following that, but we believe that the numbers will increase.”
He added that 20 dead buffalo were also spotted.
According to Kannyinga a state veterinarian was sent to take samples from the animals yesterday morning.
“We have not confirmed whether it is anthrax yet. The results will be sent to Windhoek and are expected to be out today or tomorrow.”
He said the agriculture ministry would forward the results to the environment ministry and they would then release the results.
Kannyinga said they had not noticed any suspected anthrax deaths among domestic animals.
He added that the deaths were confined to the “core areas” of the national park. While anthrax had previously spread into Namibia from countries such as Botswana, Kannyinga said no recent outbreaks had been reported in neighbouring countries.
At the end of last month 10 hippo carcasses were found and 53 more last week. By Saturday the total had risen to more than 100. The carcasses are burnt to prevent the disease from spreading.
Anthrax is primarily a disease of herbivores although it affects a wide range of species. It is generally of an acute form in wildlife, with animals showing few symptoms before collapsing and dying.
According to the parks deputy director of the north-east regions, Apollinaris Kannyinga, the latest assessment done on Saturday indicated that a total of 109 hippos had died in the floodplains of Bwabwata West.
“We have not done an assessment following that, but we believe that the numbers will increase.”
He added that 20 dead buffalo were also spotted.
According to Kannyinga a state veterinarian was sent to take samples from the animals yesterday morning.
“We have not confirmed whether it is anthrax yet. The results will be sent to Windhoek and are expected to be out today or tomorrow.”
He said the agriculture ministry would forward the results to the environment ministry and they would then release the results.
Kannyinga said they had not noticed any suspected anthrax deaths among domestic animals.
He added that the deaths were confined to the “core areas” of the national park. While anthrax had previously spread into Namibia from countries such as Botswana, Kannyinga said no recent outbreaks had been reported in neighbouring countries.
At the end of last month 10 hippo carcasses were found and 53 more last week. By Saturday the total had risen to more than 100. The carcasses are burnt to prevent the disease from spreading.
Anthrax is primarily a disease of herbivores although it affects a wide range of species. It is generally of an acute form in wildlife, with animals showing few symptoms before collapsing and dying.
Comments
Namibian Sun
No comments have been left on this article