DEAD ON THE WATER Suspected anthrax outbreak in Namibia sees 100 dead hippos covered in bruises and unexplained marks in river

NAMIBIAN officials refute claims of a suspected anthrax outbreak - despite a series of newly-released heartbreaking pictures showing hundreds of badly bruised hippos lying lifelessly in a river.

Environment and Tourism Minister Pohamba Shifeta insists the tragic hippos which were pictured floating in a north eastern Namibian river died "naturally" because the animal population was too high.

One of the hippos found dead in a suspected anthrax outbreak in Namibia

In a series of  distressing images, the corpses of hippos are captured on their backs, with their feet out of the water, strewn in the Bwabwata National Park.

While local experts blame the serious bacterial disease for the animal deaths, Mr Shifeta told Namibian Broadcasting Corporation: "Nature normally keeps balance, so when the animal's are too many, there is an intervention of diseases.

"What you have seen with the hippos, is a normal natural balance."

His comments come days after 724 people received treatment to protect them from catching anthrax, although the government once again insisted it was a "preventative measure".

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