Tanzania Anthrax Outbreak 'Under Control'

The anthrax outbreak affected an area including the Ngorongoro crater. Getty Images

A serious outbreak of anthrax in an area of northern Tanzania that includes a world-famous wildlife reserve is now under control, officials say. 

BBC Africa Live report continues:

At its height earlier this month, the infectious disease killed nearly 100 wildebeest and 15 gazelles in the Selela wildlife corridor. A few domestic animals also died in this latest outbreak. 

With the help of villagers, more than 30 wildlife and health experts have been moving around the dry open space among scattered thorny trees, collecting the decomposing carcasses of animals infected with anthrax.

Selela village is a big attraction for tourists, because many wild animals roam there. But livestock belonging to the communities who live nearby are putting the wild animals at risk.

Dr Jorum Mgwira, assistant director at the ministry of agriculture, told the BBC that it is important to burn or bury the infected carcasses as that is the only way to contain the outbreak.

Although anthrax is not unusual in Tanzania, health experts say this is the first time there has been an outbreak of this magnitude. 

Anthrax is caused by a bacteria in the ground, and the only way to stop the spread of the disease to humans is to stop eating meat from an infected animal or touching an infected carcass.