Posted on 06/26/2010 5:53:55 AM PDT by csvset
KAMPALA: Anthrax has killed at least 30 hippopotamuses in a popular Ugandan game park that saw a similar outbreak six years ago, officials said Wednesday.
Tom Okello, conservation area manager at Queen Elizabeth National Park, a much-visited safari destination, said 10 of the hulking semi-aquatic animals were found dead over one half-day period alone.
"This was something that we had seen before, so I knew immediately that we had to get the blood samples tested," he said, recalling a 2004 outbreak that claimed around 300 hippos around a small lake in the park.
"When anthrax is involved, the blood doesn't clot. That is the reason we have to act very fast," he said.
Anthrax emanates from spore-forming bacteria in soil along a lakeshore. It can be contracted by wildlife through open wounds; flesh-eating vultures and big cats in the park can also spread the illness.
Sections of the park frequented by tourists are unaffected, but Okello warned that the threat is not fully contained. "At this time it is just localised, but you never know how these things can spread," he said.
I thought anthrax had something to do with sheep, but I guess that’s just around here. Sucks for the hippos.
I read: 30 hippies...in a park...sounds right...
LOL! I read “hippies,” too!
ping!
I thought it said hippies. bummer
I saw the NatGeo special on the outbreak 6 years ago. Hippos kept eating the meat of the dead hippos and this spread the infection.
Me too, I was very surprised ot learn that these vegetarians are instead omnivores that cannibalize their own.
LOL!
Some millenia ago, “Simon Jester” did a cover version of “Antisocial”.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-t0affoV5rI
We had a garage-studio behind of the house back then.
Ex-wife was thrilled beyond words.
I thought it said “hippies” too! Who says FReepers aren’t optimistic?
And Pete was a prophet of doom.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QXDBFpOHBE4
[still pissed at him for stiffing it]
See post #5!
;-)
I'm friggin' old?????
Nice to see more people gettin seriously on the bandwagon and not just playing at fighting obesity.
/God Bless You
Did he make it??
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