Anthrax,
Malawi
Information received on 29/11/2018 from Dr Patrick Chikungwa, Director of Department of Animal Health and Livestock Development, Department of Animal Health and Livestock Development, Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation an Water Development, LILONGWE, Malawi
Summary
Report type Immediate notification
Date of start of the event 10/10/2018
Date of confirmation of the event 29/11/2018
Report date 29/11/2018
Date submitted to OIE 29/11/2018
Reason for notification First occurrence of a listed disease
Manifestation of disease Clinical disease
Causal agent Bacillus anthracis
Nature of diagnosis Clinical, Laboratory (basic), Necropsy
This event pertains to a defined zone within the country
Related reports Immediate notification (29/11/2018)
Follow-up report No. 1 (09/12/2018)
Follow-up report No. 2 (05/01/2019)
Follow-up report No. 3 (15/01/2019)
Follow-up report No. 4 (03/02/2019)
New outbreaks (1)
Outbreak 1 Liwonde, Traditional Authority Sitola, Machinga, Southern
Date of start of the outbreak 10/10/2018
Outbreak status Continuing (or date resolved not provided)
Epidemiological unit Natural park
Affected animals
Species Susceptible Cases Deaths Killed and disposed of Slaughtered
Hippopotamus:Hippopotamus amphibius(Hippopotamidae) 2000 48 48 0 0
Affected population The hippos live and feed along the Shire river.
Summary of outbreaks Total outbreaks: 1
Total animals affected
Species Susceptible Cases Deaths Killed and disposed of Slaughtered
Hippopotamus:Hippopotamus amphibius(Hippopotamidae) 2000 48 48 0 0
Outbreak statistics
Species Apparent morbidity rate Apparent mortality rate Apparent case fatality rate Proportion susceptible animals lost*
Hippopotamus:Hippopotamus amphibius(Hippopotamidae) 2.40% 2.40% 100.00% 2.40%
*Removed from the susceptible population through death, destruction and/or slaughter
Epidemiology
Source of the outbreak(s) or origin of infection
  • Unknown or inconclusive
Epidemiological comments The hippos were found dead along the river bank.
Control measures
Measures applied
  • Surveillance outside containment and/or protection zone
  • Surveillance within containment and/or protection zone
  • Official disposal of carcasses, by-products and waste
  • Vaccination permitted (if a vaccine exists)
  • No treatment of affected animals
Measures to be applied
  • No other measures
Diagnostic test results
Laboratory name and type Species Test Test date Result
Central veterinary Laboratory (National laboratory) Hippopotamus bacteriological examination 29/11/2018 Positive
Public health institute of Malawi laboratory (National laboratory) Hippopotamus bacteriological examination 29/11/2018 Positive
Future Reporting
The event is continuing. Weekly follow-up reports will be submitted.
Map of outbreak locations