Authorities in Zambia have issued warnings against consuming meat from wild animals after an anthrax outbreak led to the deaths of several species, including hippos, elephants, buffalo, and a crocodile. The outbreak has affected the Munyamadzi River area in Muchinga province, where 46 hippos, eight elephants, five buffaloes, and one crocodile have died since July. A representative from Zambia’s Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit noted that 12 people have been infected after eating meat from these dead animals, and urged the public to avoid consuming meat from wildlife that dies suddenly or from unknown causes. People are also being asked to report any such incidents and to refrain from hunting in the affected area until more is known about the outbreak. Anthrax, caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis, is a disease that primarily affects grazing animals and can be transmitted to humans through contact with infected animals or their products. The bacteria can survive in the soil for years as spores, which can enter an animal's body through inhalation, wounds, or ingestion. Once infected, animals can die suddenly, and the disease can be passed to humans through contact with contaminated materials, such as meat or hides. Anthrax is not uncommon in Zambia, but human deaths are rare. In 2023, the country experienced an "unprecedented" outbreak that spread to nine of the ten provinces and resulted in four fatalities. Another major outbreak occurred in 2011, during which more than 500 cases were reported, and five people died after consuming meat from infected hippos. This latest outbreak is still under investigation, with authorities working to determine how widespread it is and what risks it poses to the public. Officials have emphasized the importance of avoiding contact with dead wildlife, especially those that have died unexpectedly. People are being advised not to consume, sell, or handle meat from such animals, and to report any suspected cases to local authorities. While no deaths have been reported in this latest incident, the 12 infected individuals are currently receiving treatment. The national coordinator of the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit, Norman Chipakupaku, noted that the local community often relies on dead animals for food, which has contributed to the spread of the disease. Efforts are ongoing to educate the public and prevent further infections.