Anthrax outbreak kills more than 83 hippopotamuses in Uganda
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Pastor Dale Morgan
Aug 16, 2010, 9:04:11 AM8/16/10
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Plagues, Pestilences and Diseases
Anthrax outbreak kills more than 83 hippopotamuses in Uganda
Anthrax has killed at least 83 hippopotamuses in a popular Ugandan game park that saw a similar outbreak six years ago.
By Our Foreign Staff
Published: 9:38AM BST 16 Aug 2010
Anthrax outbreak kills more than 83 hippopotamuses in Uganda
The anthrax poison emanates from bacteria that live in soil that surrounds a small lake in the Queen Elizabeth park. Photo: AFP
"The number of dead is now 83," said Tom Okello, area conservation manager at Queen Elizabeth National Park in southwest Uganda.
The park, one of Uganda's most popular safari destinations, was hit by anthrax poisoning in 2004, when more than 300 hippos died from exposure to the lethal spore-forming bacteria.
Mr Okello was alerted to the current outbreak in June, when 10 of the hulking semi-aquatic animals were found dead over one half-day period.
While the death-toll continues to rise, Mr Okello said his staff have learnt from the 2004 experience and are close to containing the problem.
"We really have improved," he said. "The situation is under control."
The anthrax poison emanates from bacteria that live in soil that surrounds a small lake in the Queen Elizabeth park.
It can be contracted by wildlife through open wounds, and flesh-eating vultures and big cats in the park can also spread the illness.
Mr Okello said the poison had not occured in areas visited by tourists.
Anthrax outbreak kills more than 83 hippopotamuses in Uganda
Anthrax has killed at least 83 hippopotamuses in a popular Ugandan game park that saw a similar outbreak six years ago.
By Our Foreign Staff
Published: 9:38AM BST 16 Aug 2010
Anthrax outbreak kills more than 83 hippopotamuses in Uganda
The anthrax poison emanates from bacteria that live in soil that surrounds a small lake in the Queen Elizabeth park. Photo: AFP
"The number of dead is now 83," said Tom Okello, area conservation manager at Queen Elizabeth National Park in southwest Uganda.
The park, one of Uganda's most popular safari destinations, was hit by anthrax poisoning in 2004, when more than 300 hippos died from exposure to the lethal spore-forming bacteria.
Mr Okello was alerted to the current outbreak in June, when 10 of the hulking semi-aquatic animals were found dead over one half-day period.
While the death-toll continues to rise, Mr Okello said his staff have learnt from the 2004 experience and are close to containing the problem.
"We really have improved," he said. "The situation is under control."
The anthrax poison emanates from bacteria that live in soil that surrounds a small lake in the Queen Elizabeth park.
It can be contracted by wildlife through open wounds, and flesh-eating vultures and big cats in the park can also spread the illness.
Mr Okello said the poison had not occured in areas visited by tourists.
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