The Rhodesian Anthrax Epidemic: A Case of Biological Warfare?

TL;DR

This paper examines the 1978-1980 anthrax epidemic in Rhodesia, concluding it was likely an endemic outbreak worsened by war-related factors.

Contribution

The paper provides a new analysis suggesting the epidemic was not a case of biological warfare but an endemic outbreak.

Findings

The anthrax epidemic was likely due to an endemic outbreak.

Wartime conditions worsened the spread and impact of the disease.

The epidemic was not caused by deliberate biological warfare.

Abstract

The Rhodesian anthrax epidemic of 1978-1980 was one of the largest in recorded history. Occurring during the chaos of the Rhodesian Bush War, the anthrax epidemic led to the deaths of hundreds and caused significant economic devastation in what is now the country of Zimbabwe. To this day, the origins of this devastating outbreak remain highly controversial. However, in this article, we determine that the anthrax epidemic most likely occurred due to an endemic outbreak, exacerbated by the breakdown of services from the war, food scarcity, and a number of other unique wartime circumstances.