Anthrax Outbreak - Okavango River Hippos

[Richprins]

Botswana finds anthrax outbreak after spate of hippo deaths

The Okavango Delta is a major tourist attraction in southern Africa, supporting a diverse range of wildlife.


Reuters | about 3 hours ago

GABORONE – Anthrax has been detected in dead hippos floating in the Okavango River, officials in Botswana said on Wednesday, after more than 100 of the animals were suspected to have been killed by the disease in neighbouring Namibia.

Botswana’s Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources Conservation and Tourism advised people not to touch the dead hippos and to report any sightings of hippo carcasses.

The Okavango Delta is a major tourist attraction in southern Africa, supporting a diverse range of wildlife.

Namibian media reported on Monday that more than 100 hippos had died in the remote Bwabwata National Park, in the northeastern part of the country, with anthrax the suspected cause.

The Okavango River flows through Namibia before entering Botswana. Tourism is important for the economies of both countries.

http://ewn.co.za/2017/10/12/botswana-fi ... ppo-deaths

[nan]

but there is not only Hippo
what about Crocodiles, Elephants and others ?

[Richprins]

Ja, anthrax is anthrax, nana?

[Lisbeth]

Maybe hippos are more exposed I am afraid that the others will follow If it is not a particular kind of anthrax

[Dewi]

This hippo was on the opposite bank of the Okavango to Bwabwata at Mahango reserve when we drove through both reserves last year.

Anthrax is caused by Bacillus anthracis which occurs naturally in the ground and is normally dormant until times of drought. It is passed from one animal to another through cuts and sores. I'm guessing that if water levels have been low, there may have been more territorial fights over remaining pools than in normal years, meaning more open wounds than in years of no drought?

[nan]

thank you for this explanation

[Lisbeth]

Sounds logical

[Richprins]

Clever, Deli, and what a pic!