An anthrax outbreak in the DRC's Virunga National Park has killed 28 hippos near the Semuliki River . The biological crisis is being compounded by severe drought and ongoing territorial fighting between the Congolese army and the M23 group.
The Semuliki River’s 28 lost hippos and the threat of Bacillus anthracis
An outbreak of Bacillus anthracis has claimed the lives of 28 hippos in the Semuliki River area of Virunga National Park. This biological event is a significant blow to Africa's oldest national park, which was established in 1925. As reported by the source, the deaths occurred over approximately one month and have raised alarms among local residents like Michael Kambale, who observed carcasses floating in the river in mid-September.
The loss of these animals threatens the ecological stability of the entire region.. Ecologist Joel Mbusa Mapoli explained that hippos serve as vital ecosystem engineers, maintaining the movement of nutrients between land and water. The disappearance of these animals could lead to major disruptions in the ecological balance of both aquatic and terrestrial habitats.
Drought-driven congregation near Lake Edward fuels the outbreak
Drought conditions in the Democratic Republic of Congo are exacerbating the spread of the pathogen. When vegetation becomes scarce, herbivores are forced to congregate around the few remaining water sources, such as those near Lake Edward. This concentration increases their exposure to contaminated soil where anthrax spores can survive for decades .
The current outbreak is not an isolated incident. according to the report, a previous anthrax event in 2025 resulted in the deaths of 65 hippos, which required park staff to use excavators to retrieve carcasses from the water. This recurring pattern highlights how environmental stress can trigger rapid disease spread among wildlife populations.
M23 territorial gains and the breakdown of park surveillance
Armed conflict in North Kivu is preventing an effective response to the biological threat. For nearly three decades, violence in the region has fueled poaching and instability, but the situation has worsened in recent years. Park authorities noted that they have lost control of significant portions of their territory over the last four years due to fighting between the Congolese army and the M23 armed group.
This loss of control makes it nearly impossible for rangers to paatrol safely or monitor wildlife health. Environmental activist Olivier Ndoole Bahemuke highhlighted that the prolonged conflict has effectively shredded the institutional safety nets intended to protect both the local people and the park's biodiversity.
Unverified M23 claims and the risk of bushmeat consumption
While park authorities have issued urgent warnings to communities near Lake Edward, several critical details remain unverified. For instance, the M23 armed group has claimed they are helping to protect the area from poachers, but this assertion lacks independent corroboration. furthermore, while historical data suggests human fatalities often follow spikes in wildlife mortlity, it remains unknown if any local residents have already been infected by this specific outbreak.
The risk of zoonotic transmission remains a primary concern for public health officials. In areas where food security is precarious,local populations may be tempted to consume bushmeat, making adherence to safety guidelines regarding dead animals extremely difficult despite the life-threatening risks of anthrax.
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