Kampala — Two more hippos have died of suspected anthrax in Queen Elizabeth National Park, bringing the death toll to 29 since last Friday.

The New Vision reported on Tuesday that at least 27 hippos had died of suspected anthrax.

The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) chief, Moses Mapesa, said he was still waiting for the results from the samples sent for analysis at the veterinary laboratory in Entebbe to find out what killed the animals.

He added that it would take several weeks to analyse the samples.

The park’s conservation manager, Tom Okello, said the new cases were found near the Kazinga Channel in Katunguru.

He said the wildlife authority had deployed a team to monitor the situation.

Okello reiterated the authority’s call on fishermen on lakes George and Edward, and the Kazinga Channel, to report any carcasses floating on the waters.

He also warned cattle-keepers to desist from grazing their animals in the park to prevent them from catching the disease.

Okello also warned against eating game meat.

Animals that die of the disease must be buried or burnt to prevent contamination.

http://www.newvision.co.ug