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7th ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL ELEPHANT HERPES WORKSHOP
BRINGS RESEARCHERS TO HOUSTON

(01/28/2011)

Houston Zoo/Baylor College of Medicine Research Collaboration
Receives $550,000 Grant from The Dan L. Duncan Family

(HOUSTON) January 27, 2011 … Elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus (EEHV) is the leading cause of death in Asian elephants under the age of 8 in the care of humans. Since 1978, 60 cases of EEHV in North America and Europe, as well as 20 EEHV deaths in Asia among wild and managed elephants, have been confirmed. This devastating disease is a significant threat to self-sustaining populations of managed and free ranging Asian elephants worldwide.

On January 24th and 25th 2011, more than 80 participants from 5 countries, including veterinarians, virologists, epidemiologists, elephant care specialists, and administrators gathered in Houston for the 7th Annual International EEHV workshop sponsored by The International Elephant Foundation, The Elephant Manager’s Association and the Houston Zoo.

At the close of the workshop on January 25, Houston Zoo Director Rick Barongi announced that the Houston Zoo/Baylor College of Medicine (BCM) EEHV research collaboration has received a $550,000 grant from The Dan L. Duncan Family.

“Finding a treatment or cure for EEHV is crucial to the sustainability of Asian elephant populations, not only in zoos but in many wild herds. This grant from the Duncan family in honor of the late Dan L. Duncan will provide critical funding to support the collaboration’s ongoing EEHV research. We are honored and deeply grateful,” said Barongi. “In the past two years, since the Houston Zoo/BCM research collaboration began, we have made more progress in EEHV research than at any other time since the elephant herpes virus was identified 16 years ago,” added Barongi.

Due to the ground-breaking research carried out by the Houston zoo/BCM team, researchers now believe that all Asian elephants, captive and wild, regardless of geographic location harbor certain types of herpes viruses. “A vital mission for the Houston Zoo/BCM research collaboration is determining why the virus is fatal for some young elephants and not others. In addition the BCM research team is working to identify which human anti-herpesvirus drugs are most effective for treating EEHV-associated disease,” said Barongi.

During the 7th Annual International EEHV workshop, participants re-affirmed their commitment to unraveling the epidemiology of the disease, developing a more sensitive and rapid diagnostic test, improved herd screening, more effective treatments, and ultimately a vaccine to protect young elephants from this deadly virus. Workshop participants also reaffirmed that continued breeding of Asian elephants is critical to their physiological and psychological well-being.

About the Houston Zoo

Founded in 1922, the Houston Zoo is an exciting live animal adventure that provides a unique educational and conservation resource serving more than 1.8 million guests annually. Set in a 55-acre lush tropical landscape, the Zoo is home to more than 6,000 exotic animals representing more than 800 species. Operated by the not-for-profit Houston Zoo, Inc., the Houston Zoo is dedicated to the conservation of endangered species, the provision of engaging educational opportunities and the creation of stimulating exhibits that broaden the experiences of our guests and encourage their curiosity.

The Houston Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). Look for the AZA logo whenever you visit a zoo or aquarium as your assurance that you are supporting a facility dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for you, and a better future for all living things. With its more than 200 accredited members, AZA is a leader in global wildlife conservation, and your link to helping animals in their native habitats. For more information visit www.aza.org.

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