Development of Freeze-Dried Platelets to Combat Elephant Endotheliotropic Herpes Virus

The replacement of circulating platelets in the critical phase of the disease may provide the support needed for the patient to recover. Traditional platelet products have a short shelf life (5 days) and are therefore not feasible for elephant care facilities. However, novel freeze-dried platelet-derived hemostatic agents (FDPDHAs) can be stored at ambient temperatures for 24- 36 months and reconstituted within minutes. Through collaboration with Cellphire, a platelet product was developed and produced from Asian elephant blood. This product is available for potential use in critically ill elephants through a network of elephant care facilities.

IEF #EX1024

Project Years: 2016

Project Partners:
Smithsonian Institution’s National Zoological Park, Cellphire