Oregon Zoo Treats Elephant Calf for Life-Threatening Virus

Staff at the Oregon Zoo noticed changes in the behavior and energy of Asian elephant calf Tula-Tu. Her sibling Lily died from elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus (EEHV) in 2018, and the strain now confirmed in Tula-Tu is related to the one targeted by an EEHV vaccine she received earlier this year. Veterinarians began treatment and testing after those observed changes. Confirmation of the infection led to plasma transfusions alongside antiviral medication. EEHV can progress rapidly and is especially dangerous to calves. Zoo officials say Tula-Tu has remained stable, with normal platelet levels and improving white blood cell counts. Zoo officials caution that she is not yet out of danger.