By Tatiana Mhararira
50 animals have been recorded to have died of anthrax in Gonarezhou National Park in Chiredzi District and the responsible authorities are said to be on high alert to prevent the deadly diseases spilling to domestic animals.
The Chief Director in the Department of Veterinary Services, Dr Pious Makaya confirmed the death of 50 animals and said no livestock had been lost in areas surrounding the park and vaccination is underway.
“So far I can confirm that there is no livestock that has been lost and the Department of Veterinary Services has mobilized 30 000 doses of anthrax vaccines. We are currently vaccinating all the cattle along the Gonarezhou game park fence,” Dr Makaya.
He said the parks department was picking up all carcasses to avoid them being devoured by other animals further spreading the diseases.
“By August 27, 2024, 29 buffaloes, one elephant, 18 kudus, one nyala, two impala, two baboons and one zebra had succumbed to the disease.
“ZimParks is on the ground picking all carcasses to avoid consumption and further spread by predators,” said Makaya.
Dr Makaya said anthrax was not a diseass for animals only as it can also affect humans and urged people to get meat from trusted outlets.
“Anthrax can affect humans and the main symptoms in livestock are sudden death and bleeding from natural openings without blood clotting.
“Members of the public are urged to buy meat from registered abattoirs and should not buy from vendors and unregistered places,” said Dr Makaya.
Masvingo Provincial Veterinary Officer, Dr Krammer Manyetu said due to El Nino drought animals were left with little or no grazing area in Regions four and five that caused animals in the area to be at high risk of anthrax
“Livestock and wildlife have tried to reach very little grazing close to the soil resulting in swallowing bacteria as they try to graze in dry regions,” said Dr Manyetu.
