A two-year-old elephant has died after contracting herpes, despite the best efforts of conservationists.
The virus spread rapidly and Umesh, a young male, died on the evening of June 28th.
His condition deteriorated rapidly, despite ongoing treatment, to the great sorrow of staff at the Zurich Zoo, Switzerland.
Guardians allowed the young bull’s family to spend time with the body, to say goodbye, as elephants are known to mourn their dead.
Umesh’s two sisters, Omysha (8) and Chandra (20), and his mother, Indi (36), were allowed to greet.
The herpes virus, Elephant Endotheliotropic Herpes Virus (EEHV), is fairly common among large mammals, but it is especially dangerous for young elephants.
The zoo said in a statement: “The two-year-old elephant bull Umesh died last night despite intensive treatment that lasted several days due to a herpes virus typical of elephants.”
They added that Umesh “has contracted a herpes virus that is typical of elephants and is especially dangerous to young animals.”
The zoo also said: ‘After Umesh started antiviral therapy over the weekend, Umesh’s blood counts showed no improvement and continued to deteriorate. On Tuesday morning, he showed the first symptoms of the dreaded disease, after which he died suddenly that evening, despite the continued treatment. ‘
Umesh’s body is now being examined by medical experts. The research can help to better understand EEHV in the future and to further optimize treatment methods.
Research is underway on a vaccine that could protect young elephants from the virus in the future. ‘
The Zurich Zoo added: ‘There is always a risk, especially for young animals, that it will suddenly break out. It affects both elephants in zoos and in wild populations.
“We thank the tireless efforts of the veterinarians, the curator and all the animal keepers who have done everything in their power to help Umesh over the past few days.”
The zoo explained that up to two-thirds of all deaths in young Asian elephants in European and American zoos can be traced back to EEHV.
The Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) is listed as ‘endangered’ on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species.
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