Virunga National Park struggling with an anthrax outbreak sees over 50 hippos dead, prompting warnings for surrounding communities and efforts to manage the situation amid logistical challenges.
Tragic Anthrax Outbreak Claims Lives of 50 Hippos in Virunga National Park
Tragic Anthrax Outbreak Claims Lives of 50 Hippos in Virunga National Park
At least 50 hippos are confirmed dead due to anthrax poisoning in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s ancient Virunga National Park, with efforts ongoing to contain the outbreak.
At least 50 hippos along with other large animals have succumbed to anthrax poisoning in Virunga National Park, the oldest national park in Africa, as confirmed by park officials. Photos released by the park show the lifeless animals drifting in the Ishasha River, with the first casualties observed last week. While the exact cause of the outbreak remains unclear, tests have confirmed the presence of the bacterium behind anthrax.
Emmanuel de Merode, the park's director, stated that officials are currently engaged in efforts to recover and bury the deceased animals to mitigate further spread. However, the recovery process faces significant hurdles due to logistical issues and lack of equipment like excavators. “We have the means to limit the spread by burying them with caustic soda,” de Merode told Reuters, pointing out the difficulties related to access in the area.
The Ishasha River flows northward to Lake Edward, where additional cases of dead animals have surfaced. Anthrax, caused by Bacillus anthracis, poses serious risks but typically does not spread easily, remaining dormant as spores in the soil for extended periods before infecting animals via inhalation or wounds. Amid the crisis, the Congolese Institute for the Conservation of Nature has alerted local residents to avoid contact with wildlife and to boil water from local sources before drinking.
Spanning over 7,800 square kilometers, Virunga is notable for its rich biodiversity but is also plagued by violence due to conflicts between rebel factions and the Congolese army. The park, a hotspot for ecotourism, has faced challenges such as poaching and war, which had previously decimated the hippo population from over 20,000 to a mere handful.
These recent developments have prompted reflections on the ongoing struggles to protect Virunga’s unique wildlife, as well as the rangers who risk their lives for conservation amidst the turmoil in the region.
