By Delicious Mathuthu
Zimbabwe – An outbreak of anthrax has been reported in Zimbabwe’s Gonarezhou National Park, a region known for its rich natural heritage, it has been reported.
Zimbabwean wildlife expert, Chris Foggin, says the current outbreak originated in Mozambique and South Africa, and has since spread to Zimbabwe through vultures regurgitating contaminated food across the Limpopo River.
Less like vomiting, regurgitating in birds is a natural behaviour, often used to feed their young, to share food with other birds, or even defend themselves by expelling unpleasant-tasting food.
The ongoing drought and El Niño phenomenon, experts say, have exacerbated the risk of anthrax outbreaks, as grazing animals are forced to ingest spores from the soil or consume contaminated water sources.
“Anthrax-causing bacterial spores can remain dormant in the soil, which serves as the primary reservoir for the disease.
“Grazing animals are susceptible to becoming infected by ingesting spores from the soil or consuming water from contaminated sources, especially during dry periods when they graze too close to the ground,” Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Ministry Permanent Secretary, Professor Obert Jiri says.
Cattle and other livestock are particularly susceptible to infection, prompting a nationwide vaccination campaign in anthrax-prone areas, he says.
A coordinated effort between the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) and the Ministry of Health is underway to educate farmers about the risks and necessary preventive measures.
Prof. Jiri further says proper disposal of carcasses through burning or deep burial is crucial to prevent transmission of the disease.
National Parks personnel, he says, are working to contain the outbreak by burying or covering identified carcasses, restricting livestock access to the park through the electric game fence, and conducting heightened surveillance to ensure early detection and control measures.
While the risk of transmission to humans remains, Prof. Jiri says the electric game fence has prevented outbreaks in the human population by restricting access to infected carcasses.
Vultures and flies, however, remain a threat in spreading the disease across the fence, which necessitates continued vigilance.
Prof. Obert Jiri also emphasises the importance of prompt action to control the outbreak and prevent further transmission.
Gonarezhou National Park, located in the southeastern parts of Zimbabwe, is a protected area part of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park.
The park boasts of diverse habitats including woodlands, grasslands, wetlands, rocky outcrops and home to a wide range of birds.
Anthrax, a disease caused by Bacillus Anthracis bacteria, affects both domestic and wild herbivores, as well as humans, research says.
It can survive in soil for extended periods and has three main forms which include cutaneous, inhalational, and gastrointestinal, scientists report.
Transmission usually occurs through direct contact with infected animals or carcasses, contaminated animal products, inhaling spores, or eating contaminated food.
Prevention of fatal effects of the disease include prompt medical attention for humans and vaccination of animals.
Anthrax outbreaks have occurred sporadically in Zimbabwe since the 1920s, primarily affecting livestock and wildlife in the southern and western regions.
Prior to the current outbreak, the last recorded anthrax outbreak in Gonarezhou National Park was in 2014.
