Bacterial Archives

African Elephant Mass Deaths Linked to Global Warming and Bacterial Infection, Scientists Find

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe – Scientists have finally uncovered the cause behind the mysterious mass deaths of African elephants. The sudden deaths of African elephants in Botswana and Zimbabwe in 2020 led to widespread public concern and speculation. In a new report, experts suggest that the outbreaks could be linked to the conditions created by global warming and the climate crisis. Initial phases of the investigation ruled out poaching and poisoning, leaving experts to consider environmental …

African Elephant Mystery: Climate Crisis and Bacterial Infection Blamed for Mass Deaths

Dozens of African elephants died in Zimbabwe between August and November 2020, under baffling circumstances, leaving scientists and experts puzzled. According to a new report authored by scientists, the cause of the mysterious mass deaths has finally been unraveled. The outbreaks are believed to be more likely to occur amid conditions created by the ongoing climate crisis, raising concerns about the future of these majestic creatures. The study, co-authored by Dr. Chris Foggin, a veterinarian …

Mysterious Bacterial Infection Identified as Cause of Deaths of 35 Elephants in Zimbabwe

In Zimbabwe, the deaths of 35 elephants between August and November of 2020 puzzled investigators who suspected poisoning or poaching but quickly ruled out these causes. Now, a recent study published in the journal Nature Communications has identified the culprit in the bacterium Pasteurellaceae Bisgaard taxon 45. Scientists analyzing 15 of the elephant carcasses were able to confirm the presence of Bisgaard taxon 45 in six of them, linking the bacterium to the unexplained deaths. …

Elephants in Zimbabwe Revealed to Have Mysterious Bacterial Infection

VICTORIA FALLS, Zimbabwe – In late August of 2020, wildlife veterinarian Chris Foggin was in the midst of conducting a post-mortem on an elephant that was suspected to have died from anthrax when he received a disturbing call. The call reported that there had been multiple elephant fatalities in the area. The next day, five more dead elephants were discovered in the scorching Zimbabwean heat. Foggin and his team worked tirelessly to collect post-mortem tissue …