This Deadly Virus Is The 'Silent Killer' Of Young Elephants. A New Vaccine Rolls Out To Save Them Worldwide

This Deadly Virus Is The 'Silent Killer' Of Young Elephants. A New Vaccine Rolls Out To Save Them Worldwide

This Deadly Virus Is The 'Silent Killer' Of Young Elephants. A New Vaccine Rolls Out To Save Them Worldwide The Chester Zoo in England isn’t new to elephant conservation.  In 1977, they became the first zoo in the United Kingdom to successfully breed Asian elephants in captivity, a practice that they continue today with greater urgency.  According to the World Wide Fund for Nature (formerly known as the World Wildlife Fund), Asian elephant populations have declined by at least 50% in the past three generations.  In addition to threats from habitat loss, deforestation, and poaching, the Asian elephant — which is listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature — has also been facing a mounting threat in the form of the Elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus.  EEHV is a rapid, dangerous disease that causes acute blood loss issues and can lead to an elephant’s death within 24 hours of them first exhibiting symptoms. It is especially fatal to elephants under th…