At least 50 hippos and other large animals have died from anthrax poisoning in Virunga National Park, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Their carcasses were seen floating along a key river leading to Lake Edward, according to park authorities.
The outbreak is a significant blow to conservation efforts, as the park has been rebuilding its hippo population since poaching and conflict reduced their numbers from over 20,000 to just a few hundred by 2006. Today, the park hosts around 1,200 hippos.
Park rangers first noticed the dead animals five days ago along the river, which borders Uganda and flows through rebel-held territory. Anthrax, a deadly bacterial disease found in soil, infects animals when they inhale or ingest contaminated soil, plants, or water.
Officials are working to contain the outbreak by burying carcasses with caustic soda. Meanwhile, locals report more than 25 hippo bodies floating in Lake Edward.
Virunga, home to diverse wildlife and unique ecosystems, has long been affected by militia violence since the early 2000s. The latest anthrax outbreak adds another challenge to the park’s conservation efforts.
