AssetID: 55146762
Headline: New Vaccine That Could Save Endangered Elephants Developed At Chester Zoo
Caption: 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). 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. 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. 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. 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. 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.
Keywords: Natural World,EEHV,elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus,Chester Zoo,University of Surrey,APHA,Asian elephants,endangered species,T-cell vaccine,proof-of-concept trial,Nature Communications,immune response,elephant calves,conservation,vaccination,wildlife conservation,disease prevention,endangered animals,immunology,veterinary science,animal health,wildlife protection,global conservation efforts,zoo research,vaccination program
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