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Anthrax Epizootic in Wildlife, Bwabwata National Park, Namibia, 2017

Caitlin M Cossaboom et al. Emerg Infect Dis. 2019 May.

Abstract

In late September 2017, Bwabwata National Park in Namibia experienced a sudden die-off of hippopotamuses and Cape buffalo. A multiorganizational response was initiated, involving several ministries within Namibia and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Rapid interventions resulted in zero human or livestock cases associated with this epizootic.

Keywords: Africa; Bacillus anthracis; Namibia; anthrax; bacteria; control; epizootic; wildlife; zoonoses.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Anthrax investigation points of interest within and directly adjacent to Bwabwata National Park, Namibia, 2017. Inset shows location of park in Africa.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Photomicrographs showing hematoxylin and eosin stain and immunohistochemical findings, using assays targeting the cell wall and capsule of Bacillus anthracis, in ear-punch biopsy specimens from a hippopotamus infected with B. anthracis, Bwabwata National Park, Namibia, 2017. A) Hematoxylin and eosin stain showing large bacilli evident in vessel lumen. Original magnification × 40. B) Gram stain showing gram-variable rods evident in vessels. Original magnification × 40. C) Immunohistochemical stain of B. anthracis cell wall showing antigen evident in vessels (red). Original magnification × 40. D) Immunohistochemical stain of B. anthracis capsule showing bacilli evident in vessels (red), and bacterial antigen. Original magnification × 63.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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