Suspected anthrax recorded in Muchinga Province

The National Disaster Risk Management Division (DRMD) has alerted the public on suspected anthrax cases and environmental pollution reported in three districts of Muchinga Province. The affected districts are Mpika, Lavushimanda and Shiwang’andu, where approximately 40 animals…

The National Disaster Risk Management Division (DRMD) has alerted the public on suspected anthrax cases and environmental pollution reported in three districts of Muchinga Province.

The affected districts are Mpika, Lavushimanda and Shiwang’andu, where approximately 40 animals have reportedly died, while 11 people are suspected to have been affected.

DRMD Senior Communications Officer Mathews Musukwa told the media  in a statement today that the government has since launched assessments to establish the extent of the suspected outbreak and contain the situation.

Mr Musukwa added that the assessments are being undertaken through Provincial and District Disaster Risk Management structures to protect communities and safeguard livelihoods.

He noted that the National Disaster Technical Committee of Permanent Secretaries also met on September 8, 2026, to review the reports and make recommendations.

Mr Musukwa has since strongly urged members of the public in the affected areas not to consume, sell, distribute or handle meat from animals that have died suddenly or are suspected to have died from anthrax.

“Members of the public are further strongly advised to stop handling wild animals until further notice, particularly in areas where animal deaths have been reported,” he said.

He has further cautioned the public against handling infected animals and carcasses as these can expose people to anthrax.

Mr Musukwa also advised the public to avoid getting in contact with blood, tissues and other materials from suspected infected animals and urged them to promptly report unusual or unexplained animal deaths to veterinary, health or disaster management authorities.

“Government, through the Disaster Risk Management Division and other appropriate Ministries, will continue to assess the situation and coordinate interventions with relevant stakeholders,” he added.

The DRMD Senior Communications Officer has further urged the public to remain calm, follow official health and veterinary guidance and avoid spreading unverified information as the government continues monitoring the situation.