A race against time: elephant researchers fight for survival!

A race against time: elephant researchers fight for survival!

Asian elephants are an endangered species, with fewer than 50,000 individuals estimated to exist. These majestic animals are endangered not only by habitat loss, but also by the dangerous Elephant Endotheliotropic Herpesvirus (EEHV), which particularly attacks young animals between four and five and a half years old. Loud TiHo Hanover In acute cases, the only measure necessary for the survival of the young animals is often to carry out a blood transfusion. However, this poses a risk because the blood group system of Asian elephants is currently unknown.

In the hope of improving treatment options for these impressive animals, Professor Dr. Marion Schmicke, supported by doctoral student Vanessa Klabouch from the Hannover Veterinary University Foundation, launched a research initiative. This is carried out in collaboration with Mahanakorn University of Technology and Kasetsart University in Thailand. The aim of this study is to develop laboratory tests to increase the safety of blood transfusions for Asian elephants.

Research on blood groups and EEHV

The research involves an interdisciplinary approach using immunological, molecular biology and genetic methods to identify heritable traits on the red blood cells of elephants. As the researchers emphasize, intolerances to blood transfusions can lead to dangerous clotting reactions and other complications. At the beginning of 2025, blood samples from 46 elephants from Thailand and 14 samples from German zoos were analyzed. Crossmatch testing was performed to test for reactive clumping between plasma/serum and the red blood cells.

Particularly noteworthy is the use of lectins as an animal welfare-compliant alternative to animal antibodies. These bind specifically to sugar structures on the red blood cells and support the identification of blood groups. During the studies, genetic analyzes were also planned to examine typical characteristics of blood groups, representing a significant advance in non-invasive diagnosis. Complex diseases such as anemia and thrombocytopenia caused by EEHV often make early diagnosis difficult and effective therapies are rarely available.

The history of EEHV

Elephant Endotheliotropic Herpesvirus was first discovered in 1995, when 16-month-old elephant Kumari died at the Smithsonian's National Zoo after a short illness. Zoo pathologists identified the virus as the cause of his death. Since then, researchers, veterinarians and private owners have come together to study the transmission of the virus, develop better treatments and a possible vaccine. It turns out that EEHV is not only a problem in zoological facilities, but also affects wild Asian elephants, which similarly carry the virus. Asian Elephant Support reported that EEHV is a natural herpesvirus that can occur in all elephants, both Asian and African, highlighting the global situation of the elephant population.

In summary, current research efforts are not only important for the conservation of Asian elephants, but can also significantly expand the understanding of these fascinating animals and their diseases. The team has launched fundraising initiatives to secure the necessary resources for their much-needed work Hanover Veterinary University Foundation. The results of this research could have a significant impact on the survival of the next generations of Asian elephants.