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Athrax Outbreak in Namibia kills Hippos
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There has been a serious loss of Hippo life in Namibia. Over 100 Hippos are dead and Anthrax is the suspected cause.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-41558385


Anthrax is bad because it can lie dormant in the spore stage. It can also infect multiple species. 
Namibia has had small outbreaks of Anthrax before and some Hippos have died.  This is the worst outbreak they have ever had.
It also may not be over.

Anthrax has been with us as a disease since before recorded history. 

https://www.google.ca/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&...KKgq8wPUmM


It is bad when there is a large outbreak like this. More animals could die and there will be more spores to lie dormant to set off another outbreak. It is impossible to quarantine wild animals like Hippos. Since these are wild animals in  a game park it is impossible to treat them with antibiotics in time to save them. The first clue that there is a problem occurs when animals start dying. I like to hope that the 100 dead is as far as the outbreak goes, but we know it could get worse. 

We need an effective vaccine/treatment or something for anthrax. It has taken way too many lives over the centuries. Surely by now we must have some better way of dealing with it. If not, why not.
[Image: IMG_9091.JPG]
Catherine

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