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Researchers have made a breakthrough in developing a novel immunization to prevent a deadly virus that affects young elephants.

The vaccine, produced by an global research team, aims to prevent the serious illness caused by EEHV, which is currently a leading cause of death in young Asian elephants.

In trials that involved mature elephants at the facility, the vaccine was found to be safe and, crucially, to stimulate part of the immune system that assists in combating viruses.

A lead scientist called this as "a landmark moment in our efforts to safeguard Asian elephants".

It is anticipated that the outcome of this first-of-its-kind study will open the door to preventing the fatalities of juvenile elephants from the harmful condition caused by this virus.

Devastating Impact

EEHV has had a especially destructive impact in zoos. At one facility by itself, multiple young elephants have died to it over the last decade. It has additionally been detected in natural populations and in some refuges and elephant orphanages.

It causes a bleeding disorder - uncontrolled bleeding that can be deadly within 24 hours. It results in death in more than 80% of cases in young elephants.

Understanding the Threat

Why EEHV can be so lethal is remains unclear. Numerous mature elephants host the virus - apparently with no adverse effects on their health. But it is thought that young calves are especially vulnerable when they are being transitioned from milk, and when the protective antibodies from the mother's milk decline.

At this phase, a calf's immune system is in a delicate balance and it can become overwhelmed. "It may lead to really severe illness," Dr Katie Edwards explained.

"It impacts elephants in nature, but we lack an precise count of how many deaths in overall it has caused. For elephants in human care though, there have been more than 100 deaths."

Immunization Creation

The research team, led by animal health experts, created the new vaccine using a proven "framework". Basically, the basic structure of this vaccine is identical to one commonly employed to vaccinate elephants against a virus called cowpox.

The scientists seeded this vaccine structure with components from EEHV - non-infectious bits of the virus that the animal's immune system might identify and react against.

In a pioneering experiment, the team tested the novel vaccine in several healthy, adult elephants at Chester Zoo, then examined blood samples from the innoculated animals.

The lead researcher stated that the findings, published in a research publication, were "more successful than anticipated".

"They showed, clearly that the vaccine was effective to stimulate the generation of T cells, that are crucial to combating virus attacks."

Future Steps

The subsequent phase for the scientists is to test the vaccine in more juvenile elephants, which are the animals most vulnerable to serious disease.

The current immunization requires four shots to be administered, so another aim is to work out if the equivalent protective amount can be given in a simpler way - possibly with less jabs.

Dr Edwards explained: "In the end we want to use this vaccine in the elephants that are in danger, so we need to make sure that we can deliver it to where it's needed."

Prof Steinbach continued: "We believe this is a major step forward, and not just only for the elephants, but because it also shows that you can design and apply vaccines to help endangered species."