Community members in the Sinanjola area of Dengeza Ward have reportedly distributed the carcasses of hippos suspected to have died from anthrax before authorities could collect samples.
Fisheries and Livestock Minister, Peter Kapala, reported that six animals, including two hippos and four cattle, died from suspected anthrax in the region.
In a statement issued in Lusaka on Friday, Kapala revealed that the hippo carcasses were distributed among the community despite efforts by ministry officers to prevent this.
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Samples collected from the cattle were tested in Choma and confirmed positive for anthrax.
“The laboratory results for the cattle samples, received on Wednesday, confirmed the presence of anthrax,” Kapala said.
He expressed concern over the situation, noting that the community had been previously informed about the dangers of anthrax during an outbreak in 2023.
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