The Rhodesian Anthrax Epidemic: A Case of Biological Warfare?

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.