Third elephant at Dublin Zoo tests positive for deadly EEHV virus

Olivia Kelleher

Dublin Zoo has confirmed a third elephant has tested positive for Elephant Endotheliotropic Herpesvirus (EEHV), which has already caused the death of two elephants at the zoo.

In a statement on Wednesday, the zoo's management said the age of the third elephant may be an advantage. The Asian elephant in question, Asha, is 17.

“Being older, her body has had more time to develop antibodies to fight the infection, potentially giving her a greater chance of survival.

“Our dedicated veterinary team is working tirelessly to provide Asha with the best possible care, and we are closely monitoring her condition.”

The statement added that while EEHV is a “serious and unpredictable illness”, the zoo is hopeful of a positive outcome due to early detection and treatment.

“Currently, the other elephants in our herd are not showing signs of EEHV, but we are closely monitoring their health.”

The news comes after two eight-year-old elephants at the zoo, Avani and Zinda, died from the virus in recent weeks.

EEHV often lies latent in elephants and can be triggered without warning as the virus is carried by many asymptomatically.

Following the detection of the virus among the herd, Dublin Zoo triggered its EEHV response plan and has consulted with leading international experts in elephant health, virology, and wildlife management.

The zoo has also stressed that EEHV does not pose a health risk to humans as the virus is not transferable.