Managing the 2004/05 anthrax outbreak in Queen Elizabeth and Lake Mburo National Parks, Uganda

In August 2004, hippo mortality in the waters of Kazinga Channel, Lakes George and Edward within Queen Elizabeth National Park (QENP) was observed. Veterinary investigation confirmed the disease killing hippos to be anthrax, using clinical, postmortem and laboratory diagnosis, including the polymerase chain reaction technique. Anthrax is believed to have occurred in QENP in 1959, 1962 and 1991 amongst Hippopotamus amphibious but these was not as devastating as the outbreak of 2004-2005. During the outbreak, 306 hippopotami representing 11.63%, 63 zebras representing 1.47%, 60 buffaloes representing 0.9%, thirteen warthogs representing 0.69%, twelve kobs representing 0.07%, three waterbucks representing 0.09% and five elephants representing 0.02% died. A multisectoral National Taskforce was set up, to among other things contain the disease at source and halt its spread. Carcass disposal by burying and burning, decontamination of disposal sites by 10% formaldehyde, ring vaccination of cattle and sheep using blanthrax vaccine and community sensitization, were carried out by the taskforce. A surveillance programme is in place.