Dublin Zoo confirms a second animal has been hit by the virus that killed an elephant earlier this week

Dublin Zoo has confirmed a second elephant is being treated for the virus that led to the death of another animal earlier this week.

An 8-year-old Asian elephant named Avani died on July 1 from a “fatal hemorrhagic disease virus.”

Now it turns out that another female elephant, 8-year-old Zinda, is currently being treated for the same virus.

To further protect the animals, Dublin Zoo has introduced a rigorous protocol and is consulting with leading international experts in elephant health, virology and wildlife management.

“Our beloved baby elephant (Avani) sadly passed away on 1 July 2024 after contracting elephant endotheliotropic herpes virus (EEHV),” Dublin Zoo said in a statement.

‘EEHV is a virus that causes fatal hemorrhagic disease, especially in young Asian elephants. Despite our efforts, Avani’s disease progressed rapidly and we were unable to save her.

Although the EEHV virus is very common and affects both wild and zoo elephants, it poses a serious threat.

The EEHV virus often remains latent in elephants and may be detected without warning because many humans carry it asymptomatically.

“In Avani’s case, treatment was continuous, but the virus progressed very quickly, highlighting the difficulties of predicting and treating this disease, even with the highest standards of care and vigilance.”

Following Avani’s death, Dublin Zoo has teamed up with leading international experts in elephant health, virology and wildlife management, including Dr. Thomas Hildebrandt.

“Their expertise will inform our continued efforts to protect the rest of the herd, especially younger members under 10 years of age, as older elephants are not as susceptible to EEHV disease,” the zoo added.

“To date, one other member of the herd, Zinda (8 years old), is being treated for clinical symptoms of the virus. We are doing our utmost to provide her with the best care possible during this time.

There is currently no vaccine against EEHV, but zoos and wildlife researchers around the world are working tirelessly to develop a vaccine that could protect elephant populations from the disease.

“Our commitment to the health and safety of our elephants is unwavering. We are committed to taking all necessary measures to ensure the well-being of our herd.

“It is worth noting that EEHV does not pose a risk to human health and is not transmissible.”