Anthrax outbreak: Dozens of hippos dead – fear of infection in humans

An anthrax outbreak in Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo has killed at least 30 hippos. The carcasses were discovered in September, and tests confirmed the disease. Conservation teams are working to treat the carcasses and warn residents about the risk of infection.

A deadly outbreak of anthrax has killed at least 30 hippos in Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Animal carcasses were first discovered in September, and laboratory tests confirmed the disease as the cause of death. Since then, additional carcasses have been found in the Semliki River area. Park management is conducting monitoring, treating outbreak sites, and educating residents, warning against contact with dead animals, skinning them, or consuming their meat. Laura Parker, who leads conservation programs in the park, explained that efforts focus on monitoring the spread of the disease, safely disposing of carcasses, and reducing the risk to wildlife and humans. The current outbreak occurs at a time when the park's hippo population had begun to recover, with over 2,700 individuals counted in February 2026, though still significantly lower than the 29,000 in 1974. A similar outbreak occurred in April 2025, killing at least 50 hippos.