A Ground-Breaking Vaccine Brings Hope To The Survival Of Endangered Asian Elephants
For decades a deadly virus has threatened Asian elephant populations in the wild and in the care of humans. Asian elephants are considered endangered, with only about 40,000 alive worldwide.
There have been significant efforts to research and find treatment for the many strains of diseases affecting both Asian and African elephants.
The most considerable strides have come across the pond, bringing renewed hope in the survival of Asian Elephants.
A mysterious strand of DNA causing Elephant Endotheliotropic Herpesvirus (EEHV) or elephant-specific herpesvirus may have existed in elephant populations for millions of years.
The virus sits hidden in a dormant state until an unknown trigger activates it. Once activated, the virus circulates through the bloodstream, causing illness and almost certain death.
Most research has shown the illness has manifested when the animal is in a weakened state of immunity.
This may contribute to the number of calves dying of EEHV when they no longer nurse on their mother’s milk, leaving them with lower antibody levels and susceptible to illness and disease.
Unfortunately, the virus is only detectable when active, so prevention is nearly impossible to achieve. With no prevention, there is typically little to no time to react and treat ailments, resulting in imminent death.
One organization is gaining momentum in the race to tackle this deadly virus.
chamnan phanthong – stock.adobe.com
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The Chester Zoo, in Cheshire, England, is trying to; combat this unpredictable illness through the power of science and prevent the extinction of these majestic animals through global Asian elephant conservation.
Along with the University of Surrey, their team has developed a ground-breaking new vaccination that gives the Asian elephant population hope of survival. The vaccine is the first of its kind to enter a pilot study anywhere globally.
Their elephant care experts lead the vaccine pilot study, supported by many conservation zoos in the UK and Ireland, including Dublin Zoo, Whipsnade Zoo, Blackpool Zoo, and Woburn Safari Park.
Dr. Tanja Maehr, a Lead Researcher at the University of Surrey and Chester Zoo Conservation Fellow, feels, “This is an important moment in our research. Now that we have entered a pilot study stage, there is real optimism we can find a safe vaccine that works.”
For more information, you can check out the Chester Zoo’s initiative here.
On a personal note, I remember going to the Philadelphia Zoo in Pennsylvania as a small child. I looked forward to visiting the elephants.
Thinking about it brings me back to feeling so small standing so close to such magnificent creatures. Someday I hope our grandchildren’s grandchildren have the privilege to stand just as close and not just read about them in a book.
Save the elephants. As Dr. Seuss said, “I meant what I said, and I said what I meant, An elephant’s faithful one hundred percent!”
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