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EEHV MILESTONE

We’re very proud to announce that a vaccine pilot study to help tackle a deadly virus that is threatening the survival of the endangered Asian elephant is now underway at the zoo!

It’s the first vaccine of its kind to ever enter a pilot study. This is crucial as a vaccine is widely viewed by conservationists as our best chance of fighting this disease and protecting young elephants.

Find out more about the vaccine pilot

ELEPHANT ENDOTHELIOTROPIC HERPESVIRUS (EEHV) IS A DEADLY VIRUS WHICH AFFECTS YOUNG ELEPHANTS GLOBALLY. WE WANT TO FIND A SOLUTION TO THIS DISEASE.

This complex and lethal disease is having a catastrophic effect on the global conservation of the Asian elephant and we want to find a solution to the problem as soon as possible to stop more elephants from dying.

EEHV DOESN’T DISCRIMINATE

It doesn’t matter whether it’s a two-year-old elephant calf at our zoo or in the wild in Asia – this is a problem right around the world which makes it even more critical that we find an answer.

Currently, not enough is known about this disease so we need to carry out vital research to hopefully get closer to finding a way to stop it having a devastating impact on elephant populations. We’re part of the global conservation community committed to the conservation of Asian elephants, so we will continue to carry out intensive research and work to discover more about this virus and how to treat it.

WE DON’T WANT IT TO BE AN EXTINCTION LEVEL EVENT FOR THIS MAGNIFICENT ANIMAL.

Your support is helping us to move towards developing, testing and validating an effective vaccine.

You are helping us fight for the future of Asian elephants. Thank you.

THANKS TO YOUR AMAZING SUPPORT SO FAR…

As part of a post-doctoral position at the University of Surrey, Chester Zoo Conservation Fellow, Dr Tanja Maehr, is carrying out vital research into EEHV. Now that we’ve entered a pilot study phase, there’s real optimism we can find a safe vaccine that works. We’re also working closely with Akbar Dastjerdi, a Virologist at the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), who has developed a method to detect EEHV.

In early 2019, we also developed innovative treatments to minimise the effects of EEHV by working in close research partnership with the APHA. This research led to successfully saving the life of three-year-old Indali Hi-Way.

Thanks to you our amazing supporters, we are able to continue this vital research. 

SUPPORT OUR INCREDIBLE RESEARCH BY MAKING A DONATION

Your donations will fund vital conservation work as we continue to learn more about EEHV, establish further treatment options for sick elephants, and work to achieve our goal of finding a vaccine.

Asian elephants are endangered and every calf lost to this disease is a blow to this magnificent and irreplaceable species. Thank you for donating and helping us prevent extinction.

DONATE TO NEVER FORGET

Make a donation

Your donation will help us protect wildlife here at Chester Zoo and all over the world. Thank you so much for supporting our mission of preventing extinction. For donations over £250, please contact fundraising@chesterzoo.org, and we will be happy to help!

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