(GIST OF SCIENCE REPORTER) Elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus (EEHV)

(JULY-2024)

The Haemorrhagic disease (HD) affecting the Asian elephant population, caused by the elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus (EEHV), has raised concerns due to increased mortality among elephant calves in both captive and free-range environments in India.
EEHV belongs to the Herpesviridae family and specifically affects elephants.
It comprises several subtypes, with EEHV1A being the most common and associated with severe disease in young Asian elephants. EEHV1B and EEHV2 are also identified but with varying prevalence and impact.
EEHV spreads primarily through contact with infected bodily fluids like saliva, blood, or urine. Additionally, indirect transmission via contaminated objects, including equipment and surfaces, poses a risk.
Infected elephants can shed the virus intermittently, even when not displaying clinical symptoms, making detection and prevention challenging.