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Headline: New vaccine that could save endangered elephants developed at Chester Zoo
Caption: **VIDEO AVAILABLE: CONTACT INFO@COVERMG.COM TO RECEIVE** A groundbreaking new vaccine that can prevent a deadly disease that kills endangered elephants has been developed at Chester Zoo. Developed by leading scientists at Chester Zoo, the University of Surrey, and the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), the vaccine targets elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus (EEHV), one of the most serious threats facing young Asian elephants worldwide. The breakthrough was published Friday in the prestigious journal Nature Communications, following a landmark proof-of-concept trial. The vaccine was shown to be safe and effective in triggering a strong immune response - a crucial step toward preventing EEHV, a disease that can kill elephants in just 24 hours. “This is a critical turning point,” said researchers involved in the study. “Until now, EEHV has been a silent killer. With this vaccine, we finally have a weapon to fight back.” EEHV poses a severe threat to the survival of Asian elephants, a species already listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List, with fewer than 40,000 individuals remaining in the wild. Fatal cases have been documented across India, Nepal, Myanmar, Thailand, and beyond - with the disease affecting both wild populations and vital conservation breeding programmes in zoos worldwide. The virus has also been detected in African elephants. The international team’s pioneering achievement represents a historic moment in global conservation efforts - and a possible lifeline for one of the planet’s most iconic and imperiled species. Dr Katie Edwards, Lead Conservation Scientist at Chester Zoo and co-author of the study, said: “This vaccine has been in development for several years and was first delivered to an elephant here at Chester Zoo in 2021. The publication of this research marks a watershed moment because it means we can now say that the vaccine is ready for wider use. “EEHV has taken the lives of so many elephants, both in human care and in the wild, but this vaccine offers hope. We can’t yet say this will be the end of EEHV deaths, but we have taken a massive step towards that goal.” A study spanning six years and involving a small group of elephants confirmed the vaccine’s safety and its ability to stimulate a protective immune response. The next phase could see a careful rollout to more elephants, prioritising young individuals who are most at risk of developing the disease. Unlike other EEHV vaccines currently in development, the ‘ingredients’ in this new vaccine focus on T-cell activation - the body’s immune system ‘generals’ that identify and destroy infected cells. Dr Edwards added: “Different scientific approaches are incredibly valuable. The more tools we have, the closer we get to a world where EEHV is no longer a threat to elephant survival.” Chester Zoo, Surrey University and APHA team opted for a T-cell-based approach using proven vaccine delivery methods. The vaccine is given via injection with booster doses, making it ideal for use in zoos and sanctuaries, with plans underway to develop delivery methods suitable for wild populations. Dr Falko Steinbach, Professor of Veterinary Immunology at the University of Surrey and senior author of the study, continued: “This is a landmark moment in our work to develop safe and efficacious vaccines. For the first time, we have shown in elephants that a vaccine can trigger the type of immune response needed to protect them against EEHV.” Dr Tanja Maehr, from the Animal and Plant Health Agency, a lead author of the study and a former Chester Zoo Conservation Fellow, added: “Our findings give real hope that vaccination can become a practical tool for preventing severe disease and death due to EEHV. The next step could be to trial the vaccine in more calves and in range countries so we can begin to protect those most at risk.” Experts say that without the specialised knowledge and hands-on access provided by zoos caring for the species, developing a vaccine would have been nearly impossible. Dr Javier Lopez, Head of Veterinary Services at Chester Zoo, emphasised the scale and urgency of the effort. He said: “This project was always designed to support the global fight against EEHV. I’m incredibly proud of the team. It’s taken years of hard work, collaboration and sheer determination to get to this point. “Now, time is critical – this disease can kill within 24 hours. That’s why we’re working to clear the legal and logistical hurdles needed to send the vaccine worldwide. As a conservation charity, our goal is for the vaccine to be open source and freely available to help save as many elephants as possible. And in the meantime, we’re sharing our knowledge so others can build and deliver the vaccine themselves, ensuring every elephant has a chance at protection. “This is a critical turning point. Until now, EEHV has been a silent killer. With this vaccine, we finally have a weapon to fight back.”
Keywords: feature, photo, video, elephant, animals, vaccine, disease
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