Deadly Anthrax Outbreak Devastates Wildlife in Congo’s Virunga National Park

Editorial : Omar Kadir

A deadly anthrax outbreak has swept through Virunga National Park in eastern Congo, killing at least 50 hippos along with other large animals and triggering alarm among conservationists and local communities. Known for its remarkable biodiversity and status as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Virunga is home to some of Africa’s most iconic and endangered species. The sudden deaths of so many hippos—one of the park’s most visible and ecologically significant animals—has sent shockwaves through the region, as experts scramble to understand the scale and cause of the outbreak.

Park authorities have moved quickly to contain the crisis, restricting access to affected areas and urging nearby residents to avoid contact with dead animals and to boil water sourced from rivers and lakes. Anthrax, a highly infectious bacterial disease, spreads through spores in soil and water, making it especially dangerous in ecosystems where animals congregate around shared water sources. The risk of human infection has heightened concerns, prompting public health alerts and emergency monitoring. With the potential for the outbreak to impact both wildlife and human communities, officials are racing against time to curb its spread and protect one of Africa’s most treasured natural reserves.