In recent years, anthrax has assumed great importance in Etosha National Park where it was responsible for an estimated 54% of the total recorded mortality.From January 1966 to June 1974, the disease caused the deaths of at least 1635 animals and affected 10 wildlife species. It was diagnosed in plains zebra, blue wildebeest, springbok, elephant, gemsbok, kudu, ostrich, giraffe, eland and cheetah. Adult male and female plains zebra and blue wildebeest were the most severely affected. The deaths recorded amongst gemsbok and eland were the first records of anthrax in these two species. Most of the animals seem to have a resistance to the disease which is lowered by unknown stress factors. The over-utilized Okaukuejo, Namutoni and Andoni areas are enzootic and contaminated water-holes were the main source of infection. It is doubtful if anthrax could ever be eliminated from the Park. The most effective long term control measures would be the closure of artificial waterholes in the overcrowded and over-utilized enzootic areas.