File photo of a hippo yelling in the Serengeti National Park, north Tanzania. (Xinhua/Zhang Ping)

WINDHOEK, Oct. 12 (Xinhua) -- Namibia confirmed Wednesday it is anthrax that killed the 120 hippopotami and 25 buffalo that died since last week.

The animals started dying on Oct. 1 in the Bwabwata National Park northeast of the country. By Oct. 10, 120 hippopotami and 25 buffalo had died.

The Ministry of Environment and Tourism, in a statement, assured tourists that there is no health hazard to people as a result of the situation.

Parks and wildlife officials, as well as the veterinary department from the Ministry of Agriculture, are visiting the area to assess the situation, the statement said.

The two ministries, the statement said, are working to find an appropriate action to avoid further mortalities.

"While the authorities work around the clock to find an appropriate action to be taken, we urge the public to refrain from touching and using the meat for consumption as this might be catastrophic.

"We urge that tourists do not go close to the affected area by any means," the statement said.