EEHV Viral Genomics and Pathogenesis

IEF is continuing its long-term funding of research to understand and combat the devastating acute hemorrhagic disease caused by some strains of Elephant Endotheliotropic Herpesvirus (EEHV). This novel group of mammalian herpesviruses has been responsible for the deaths of Asian elephant calves in North America, Europe and in at least six different Asian elephant range countries and represents another of the many difficult to control factors threatening the long-term breeding success and survival of the highly threatened Asian elephant worldwide.. Most, if not all, elephants may become latently infected with different types of EEHV in their lifetimes, therefore it is important for this research to not only identify and categorize the strains of EEHV but understand the differences between types and understand why one type is far more dangerous to calves than another. This research has served as the foundation for most EEHV research around the world.

IEF #EX1020

Project Years: 2013 – 2024

Project Partners:
Dr. Gary Hayward, Johns Hopkins University