An anthrax outbreak in northern Zambia has killed 46 hippos, eight elephants, five buffaloes and a crocodile, while 12 people have been infected with the disease after consuming meat from wildlife carcasses that tested positive for anthrax, according to authorities.

The infected people are under treatment while the government has deployed a multi-sectoral team to the affected Munyamadzi Game Reserve and river area in the Mpika district of the Muchinga province to contain the outbreak.

"Hunting in the affected area should be temporarily suspended until surveillance establishes the disease situation and associated risks. Any unexplained animal deaths should immediately be reported to the relevant authorities," Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit national coordinator Norman Chipakupaku said in a statement on Friday.

Wildlife police officers and checkpoints will be strengthened to secure the sites of carcasses, prevent their movement and consumption, as well as enhance reporting, Chipakupaku added.

He further urged the public not to consume meat from animals that died naturally or from unknown causes, and not to come into contact with carcasses of animals.