GONAREZHOU ANTHRAX OUTBREAK
Gonarezhou National Park is a region where anthrax occurs naturally, with occasional outbreaks. The most recent one, before this current outbreak, was reported in 2014
According to local wildlife expert Chris Foggin, the current outbreak originated in wildlife in Mozambique and South Africa and has been spread by vultures regurgitating contaminated food across the Limpopo River.
The current drought conditions, exacerbated by the El Niño phenomenon, have significantly increased the risk of anthrax outbreaks. Anthrax-causing bacterial spores can remain dormant in the soil, which serves as the primary reservoir for the disease. Grazing animals are susceptible to becoming infected by ingesting spores from the soil or consuming water from contaminated sources, especially during dry periods when they graze too close to the ground
Cattle and other livestock are at risk. Therefore, there is a coordinated effort to vaccinate all cattle in anthrax-prone areas nationwide. In addition to vaccination campaigns, joint awareness efforts involving personnel from the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) and the Ministry of Health are being conducted to educate farmers about the risks and necessary preventive measures.
During an anthrax outbreak, each new case has the potential to become an additional source of infection. Proper disposal of carcasses, either through burning or deep burial, is crucial to prevent further transmission. National Park personnel are currently burying all identified carcasses or covering them with black plastic sheets to prevent scavengers such as jackals and vultures from spreading the disease.
The electric Gonarezhou game fence has restricted the access of livestock into the park, reducing the potential for them to pick up disease from infected carcasses. Additionaliy, the electric game fence has prevented outbreaks in the human population by restricting access to infected carcasses. However, there is still a risk as vultures and flies can spread across the fence, so there is heightened surveillance around the national park to ensure early detection and control measures.