A nine-year-old Asian elephant has tested positive for Elephant Endotheliotropic Herpesvirus (EEHV), a deadly virus that has already caused the death of two young members of the small herd, Dublin Zoo has confirmed.
Both Samiya and 17-year-old Asha, who tested positive for EEHV last week, are currently showing no outward signs of illness, the zoo said in a statement. “Tests have confirmed that both elephants have some antibodies which may boost the chances of a positive outcome.”
“Both Samiya and Asha are being continuously monitored for any changes in their health. The other elephants in the herd are currently not showing an signs of EEHV but are also being closely monitored,” it added.
In recent weeks, seven-year-old Zinda and eight-year-old Avani have died from the same virus.
EEHV has a mortality rate of up to 85 per cent and affects young elephants both in the wild and under human care. However, it poses no health risk to humans as it is not transferable between species.