Elephants-Research Highlights

RESEARCH and EDUCATION

Determining Pharmacokinetic Characteristics of the Antivirual Drug Ganciclovir in Asian Elephants
Elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus (EEHV) is a significant cause of mortality in young Asian elephants, contributing to at least 65% of juvenile deaths in the captive population. Two EEHV-infected calves have been treated with ganciclovir, an antiviral drug which has been successfully used in human medicine, and both calves survived. Appropriate dosages and dosing intervals to maintain therapeutic blood levels of ganciclovir in elephants needs to be established in order to guarantee effective treatment and to minimize drug-associated side effects. This pharmacokinetic study will measure levels of ganciclovir in the plasma of Asian elephants following intravenous administration. Confirmation that therapeutic blood levels of ganciclovir are achieved after treatment and establishment of an appropriate treatment regimen will provide a scientifically based protocol for others to follow when treating EEHV-infected elephant calves with this promising antiviral drug.

Elephant Endothelial Cells: A System to Isolate Elephant Endotheliotropic Herpesvirus
Elephant endotheliotropic herpesviruses (EEHVs) are a leading cause of neonatal/juvenile deaths in Asian elephants. To date, scientists have identified several herpesviruses but have not yet isolated them from infected tissues of sick animals. It is believed that the virus present in secretions, blood, or tissues of infected animals can be isolated in the lab in an elephant endothelial-cell culture. Once the virus is isolated, significant understanding of the biology of the virus and the pathophysiology of the disease will be possible. This would constitute a major advance for improving the health and management of African and Asian Elephants, and greatly contribute to their conservation worldwide.

Elephant Endotheliotropic Herpesvirus (EEHV) Research
IEF has been a primary funder of the National Herpesvirus laboratory at the Smithsonian National Zoo since 2008 and funds multiple studies aimed at identifying the causes of EEHV in an effort to prevent future EEHV fatalities. Studies include identifying the status of EEHV in individual elephants and their potential for further transmission, and identify predisposing factors that make specific elephants more susceptible to the disease and identifying effective treatments. EEHV is a serious concern for both wild and managed elephant populations.

GnRH Vaccination as a Potential Way to Control Fertility and Androgen Driven Behavior in African and Asian Elephant Bulls
Social behavior of free-ranging adult elephant bulls differs from that of females. A solitary life, increased aggression and periods of musth characterize the mature bulls’ behavior. In their range countries, free ranging musth bulls damage settlements and crops. Animal welfare issues, as well as conflicts between wild bulls and humans underline the urgent need of solutions. Recently, trials of reversible chemical castration of elephant bulls with the help of a GnRH (Gonadotropin-releasing Hormone) vaccine have been undertaken and appear promising as a new simple and cost-effective contraception method. However, further studies are necessary to show the effectiveness and safety of this vaccine. This study will involve four vaccinations within one year and regular monitoring of the antibody titer, of physiological and behavioral changes, of the reproductive tract (through ultrasound), of the semen quality and hormonal changes.

IEF Elephant Research Symposium
Every year IEF facilitates an International Elephant Conservation and Research Symposium. In 2011, this gathering of elephant conservationists and researchers from around the world will be convened in Rotterdam, The Netherlands in October. This symposium offers elephant experts the unique opportunity to learn from others and share information in order to further conservation efforts of elephants in the wild.