Anthrax outbreak confirmed in Gonare State – ZimEye

The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Service (Zimparks) has announced an outbreak of anthrax in Gonarejo National Park following a series of suspicious animal deaths. According to Zimbabwe Parks Service director general Pious Makaya, the outbreak was confirmed after samples from the dead animals were tested for anthrax at the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust veterinary laboratory.

The first animal reported dead was a kudu on 19 August 2024, with more deaths the following day. To date, a total of 54 animals have died from the disease, including buffalo, elephant, kudu, bushbuck, impala, baboon and a zebra.

Zimbabwe Parks is taking measures to control the outbreak, including collecting and disposing of carcasses to prevent further spread and consumption by predators. Thirty-three dip pools near the park have been monitored and no livestock deaths have been reported.

Sensitization activities are underway in Chiredzi district and authorities are vaccinating about 80,000 cattle at dip ponds along the park boundary. Continuous disease surveillance will also be conducted in the area to monitor the situation.

The rapid response and measures taken by the Zimbabwe Parks Service are aimed at mitigating the impact of the outbreak and preventing it from spreading to other areas.

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