Multi‐Species Anthrax Outbreak Following Hippopotamus Mortality in Southern Zambia : (…)

ABSTRACT

Anthrax is a persistent zoonotic disease affecting wildlife, livestock and humans. We describe a multi-species outbreak in southern Zambia originating from a hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius Linnaeus, 1758), initially misattributed to trauma. Subsequent consumption by lions (Panthera leo (Linnaeus, 1758)) resulted in clinical disease and mortality, with associated human exposure. Concurrent herbivore deaths indicated broader environmental circulation. Bacillus anthracis Cohn, 1872 was confirmed in lion tissues. This case illustrates cross-species transmission facilitated by delayed detection and carcass handling, highlighting the importance of surveillance, appropriate carcass management and integrated One Health approaches in endemic ecosystems.