Veterinarians at the Oregon Zoo are cautiously optimistic about the health of Tula-Tu, a young Asian elephant currently battling elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus (EEHV). This illness has a history of fatal outcomes, notably taking the life of Tula-Tu’s half-sibling, Lily, in 2018.
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The alarming developments around Tula-Tu started on October 24, when animal care team members observed changes in her behaviour and energy levels. Swift action was taken, with veterinarians collecting blood samples and initiating treatment, even prior to a confirmed diagnosis. By October 30, zoo officials reported that Tula-Tu was stable, but they emphasised that her situation was still precarious.
Dr. Carlos Sanchez, the zoo’s director of animal health, conveyed a mixed message of hope and caution. “She’s not out of the woods yet, but these findings provide grounds for cautious optimism,” he stated. He added that every hour of stability was a step towards her recovery.
Upon recognising the symptoms, the veterinary team promptly tested for common health issues in elephants. The analysis revealed lower than normal white blood cell counts, prompting the immediate initiation of antiviral medication. Further testing at Oregon State University’s veterinary diagnostics confirmed heightened levels of EEHV, leading the team to expand her treatment plan to include plasma transfusions.
Despite the potential severity of EEHV, Tula-Tu’s condition on October 30 showed positive signs. Her viral load remained stable, platelet counts were within the normal range, and her white blood cell counts were on the rise. These developments have provided a glimmer of hope for the care team at the zoo.
The context of Tula-Tu’s diagnosis is particularly troubling for her family. Her mother, Rose-Tu, suffered the devastating loss of another calf, Lily, to this virus just before her sixth birthday. The presence of EEHV is common among Asian elephants; however, younger elephants like Tula-Tu are especially vulnerable, as maternal antibodies that protect them begin to wane around this age.
Earlier this year, Tula-Tu received an mRNA vaccine that was the first of its kind on the West Coast, designed to provide protection against the most prevalent strain of the virus, EEHV-1A. However, the current issue involves a different strain, EEHV-1B, and the effectiveness of the vaccine against this variant is still uncertain. Dr. Sanchez remarked on the ambiguity surrounding the vaccine’s efficacy, highlighting that the protective benefits are yet to be established.
For nearly a quarter of a century, the Oregon Zoo has engaged in international collaborations focused on enhancing the detection and treatment protocols for EEHV, a disease that poses a threat not only to captive elephants but also to wild populations. The blood samples collected during Tula-Tu’s treatment will contribute to ongoing research efforts aimed at better understanding the virus and developing improved vaccination strategies.
Dr. Sanchez expressed that the ongoing research holds promise for safeguarding elephant calves in the future, potentially extending beyond those in zoological settings. “The work we’re doing now could play a significant role in protecting future elephant calves from the disease, including those in range countries,” he stated, underscoring the wider implications of this work for both conservation efforts and the health of elephants worldwide.
As the Oregon Zoo continues to monitor Tula-Tu’s condition, the emphasis remains on both her recovery and the advancements that can be made in understanding and combating EEHV. The situation serves as a reminder of the fragility of wildlife health and the importance of continued research in ensuring the survival of vulnerable species.
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