Oregon Zoo Treats Tula-Tu for Elephant Herpes Strain

The Oregon Zoo has begun treating Tula-Tu, a baby Asian elephant, for a rapidly progressing strain of elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus (EEHV). Zookeepers are working on a treatment plan as young calves are particularly susceptible to the disease.

Tula-Tu was diagnosed with EEHV-1B, a less fatal strain of the virus. The zoo confirmed the diagnosis after blood tests and started treatment protocols the following day. Officials said Tula-Tu has remained stable with normal platelets and improving white cell counts.

Dr. Carlos Sanchez, the zoo’s director of animal health, emphasized the importance of early detection in managing EEHV. While Tula-Tu is not out of the woods, the zoo said the findings offer grounds for cautious optimism.

The virus, which can be life-threatening in a few days, has previously claimed the life of another of Rose-Tu’s calves, Lily, in 2018. The zoo said the latent virus is found in nearly all Asian elephants, but calves are highly susceptible as their maternal antibodies decline between the ages of 1 and 8.

The Oregon Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory at Oregon State University confirmed an elevated presence of EEHV the day after Tula-Tu’s initial symptoms were noted. The zoo also noted that Tula-Tu was the first elephant on the West Coast to receive an mRNA vaccine intended to protect against EEHV-1A, though its effectiveness against EEHV-1B remains unknown.

The Oregon Zoo has been involved in research and funding efforts to find a vaccine or effective treatment for EEHV. Samples from Tula-Tu will contribute to studies, including a collaboration between Oregon State University and Baylor. The zoo also works with wildlife officials in Malaysia to track EEHV in wild elephants and supports EEHV diagnostics and monitoring across Southeast Asia.