Tragic Anthrax Outbreak Claims Lives of Hippos in DR Congo's Virunga National Park

The Democratic Republic of Congo's Virunga National Park, home to diverse wildlife, faces a critical situation as an anthrax outbreak has killed over 50 hippos. Park authorities are struggling with recovery logistics amid ongoing conflicts, raising health concerns for local residents.

At least 50 hippos, along with other large animals, have succumbed to an anthrax outbreak in Africa's oldest national park, according to the park's director. Photographs released by Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo illustrate the unfortunate sight of these animals drifting lifeless in the Ishasha River. The first casualties were reported last week, and while the definitive cause of the outbreak remains unclear, tests have confirmed anthrax's presence.

Emmanuel De Merode, the park director, highlighted the logistical challenges of recovering and burying the carcasses to prevent further contamination. He remarked, "It's difficult due to lack of access and logistics," referring to the absence of excavators to aid in the burial process. In response, authorities indicated they could mitigate the spread of the disease by burying the animals with caustic soda. The Ishasha River flows into Lake Edward, where additional reports of deceased wildlife have emerged.

Anthrax, originating from the bacterium Bacillus anthracis, poses a significant threat to wildlife and can be fatal to humans, though it does not easily transmit. The bacteria can lay dormant as spores in soil for years, entering hosts typically through inhalation or wounds.

The Congolese Institute for the Conservation of Nature has urged local communities to avoid contact with wildlife and advised boiling water from regional sources before consumption. Spanning 7,800 square kilometers (3,000 square miles), Virunga is renowned for its biodiversity but is also one of the most perilous national parks in Africa.

Despite being a popular tourist destination, Virunga has been plagued by ongoing violence stemming from rebel groups vying for control in the resource-rich region. Numerous rangers have sacrificed their lives in efforts to protect the park's wildlife amid the turmoil.

In recent decades, there have been concerted efforts to bolster the declining hippo population, which dropped from over 20,000 to mere hundreds due to poaching and conflict. The situation underscores the pressing challenges regarding wildlife conservation in conflict zones and the health hazards associated with infectious diseases like anthrax.