Anthrax outbreak hits Zimbabwe and Zambia - disease traced to hippos

By James Muonwa l Mashonaland West Correspondent THE Department of Veterinary Services has put farmers on high alert following an anthrax outbreak that has reportedly claimed 36 cattle in hotspot districts, so far. The latest outbreak in both Zimbabwe and Zambia has been traced to hippopotamuses from Kariba and the Zambezi basin. Acting chief director of veterinary services, Pius Makaya confirmed the country is currently faced with the zoonotic disease, which affects both humans and animals. "Zimbabwe is currently faced with the problem of anthrax. Animals are infected when they ingest anthrax spores when grazing while humans are affected if they consume animals, especially cattle, infected with anthrax. "We have managed to map 31 anthrax hotspot districts out of the 60 districts in the country. These are the districts we are targeting for control of anthrax," said Makaya. He said local vet officials were working with their Zambian counterparts to contain the spread of the deadly ...