Fifty hippos killed by anthrax in DR Congo

At least 50 hippos and other large animals have died from anthrax poisoning. This incident occurred in Africa's oldest national park, Virunga National Park. The park is located in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Photos show the dead animals floating along the Ishasha River. Park officials reported that the animals first appeared last week.

The exact cause of the poisoning is still unknown. However, tests have confirmed anthrax's presence in the area.

Park director Emmanuel de Merode stated that recovery efforts are ongoing. They aim to bury the animals to prevent further spread of the disease. Unfortunately, they lack excavators for this task.

De Merode mentioned that logistics and access make recovery difficult. He told Reuters, "We have means to limit spread by burying them with caustic soda."

The Ishasha River flows north to Lake Edward, where more dead animals have been found. Anthrax is caused by Bacillus anthracis and can be deadly but does not spread easily.

The bacteria survive as spores in soil for years. Animals can contract it through inhalation or cuts and wounds.

The Congolese Institute for the Conservation of Nature has issued warnings. Residents should avoid wildlife and boil local water before drinking it.

Virunga National Park covers 7,800 square kilometers (3,000 square miles). It is one of Africa's most biologically diverse yet dangerous national parks.

While popular with tourists, Virunga has faced conflict between rebel groups and the Congolese army recently. Armed soldiers from various rebel groups roam Virunga, fighting for control over resources.

Many rangers have lost their lives protecting wildlife in this park. In recent decades, efforts have been made to increase hippo populations after poaching reduced numbers from over 20,000 to just a few hundred.