Zambians have been warned not to eat meat from dead wildlife after an anthrax outbreak killed dozens of animals, with at least 12 people now being treated for the disease.
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Key facts
- An anthrax outbreak has killed dozens of wild animals in Zambia.
- At least 12 people are being treated after eating infected meat from wildlife carcasses.
- Authorities have warned the public not to eat dead wildlife.
- The warning was reported by the BBC.
Zambian authorities have issued a public warning against eating meat from dead wildlife following an anthrax outbreak that has killed dozens of animals, according to the BBC.
At least 12 people are currently being treated for anthrax after consuming infected meat taken from wildlife carcasses, the BBC reported.
Anthrax is a serious infectious disease that can spread to humans who come into contact with or eat products from infected animals, which is why officials have urged people to avoid consuming carcasses found in the wild.
The warning highlights the risk posed to communities that may rely on or encounter dead wildlife, particularly where infected carcasses are present.
Health officials are treating those affected, according to the BBC, though further details on the response and the full scale of the outbreak were not provided in the available reporting.
Why it matters
Anthrax can be fatal to humans and spreads through contact with or consumption of infected animals, making public warnings critical during an outbreak. The situation underscores the health dangers facing communities that may eat wildlife carcasses.
Frequently asked questions
How many people have been affected by the anthrax outbreak in Zambia?
At least 12 people are being treated for anthrax after eating infected meat from wildlife carcasses, according to the BBC.
What have Zambian authorities warned the public to do?
Authorities have warned people not to eat meat from dead wildlife, as the carcasses may be infected with anthrax.
How did people become infected?
According to the BBC, those being treated became infected after eating meat from wildlife carcasses.
Timeline
- Zambians warned not to eat dead wildlife after anthrax kills dozens of animals
BBC World: At least 12 people are being treated for anthrax after eating infected meat from wildlife carcasses.