At least 50 hippos and other large animals have died after being poisoned by anthrax in Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The park’s director, Emmanuel de Merode, said the cause of the poisoning is unknown, but tests confirmed the presence of anthrax.
The animals’ bodies were found floating along the Ishasha River, and efforts are underway to recover them and bury them to prevent further spread. However, work is hindered by a lack of access and logistics.
Anthrax, caused by Bacillus anthracis, can be deadly but usually doesn’t spread easily. It typically survives as spores that hide in soil for years before infecting an animal through inhalation or a cut.
The park, which is one of Africa’s most biologically diverse national parks, has been affected by conflict between rebel groups and the Congolese army. The area is also home to thousands of armed soldiers, making it a challenging environment for wildlife conservation.
Efforts have been made in recent decades to increase hippo populations in the park after they declined due to poaching and war.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/crldxpzr3ddo