Anthrax outbreak kills hippos in DR Congo’s Virunga National Park

In eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, 28 hippos died from anthrax in the Semuliki River over approximately one month. Virunga National Park confirmed through laboratory tests that the bacterium Bacillus anthracis caused the deaths. Park officials are monitoring the affected area and safely handling and disposing of carcasses, as the disease can spread to people through contact with a sick or dead animal or by eating its meat.