Anthrax spreads to Caprivi
2004-09-21 12:41
Windhoek, Namibia - At least 11 wild animals, all elephant and buffalo, have died of anthrax in the eastern Caprivi region of Namibia.
Sacky Namugongo, deputy director of parks and wildlife management in the environment and tourism ministry, said five dead elephants and four dead buffaloes were tested on Saturday and found to have had anthrax symptoms.
Two more elephants are believed to have succumbed to the disease on Sunday.
The carcasses were found in the areas between Masikili and Kasika in the Caprivi strip and residents have been urged not to eat the meat.
"Anthrax is very deadly and such meat is highly contaminated," Namugongo said.
He said officials would be sent to bury the carcasses.
The ministry's director of special support services, Dr Pauline Lindeque, said the animals died following confirmed reports of anthrax outbreaks in Botswana and Zimbabwe.
In Botswana, 93 buffaloes and six elephants had died of anthrax in the Chobe National Park by last Friday.
Anthrax affects mainly herbivores and causes bleeding from the mouth, nostrils and anus. Death is sudden.
It is contracted through direct contact with infected carcasses or through inhalation of anthrax spores.