Elephant Endotheliotropic Herpesvirus (EEHV) has emerged as a major threat to elephants in Assam, with recent deaths of captive elephant calves in Nameri and Tinsukia, and a previously confirmed case in a juvenile wild elephant in Kaziranga National Park.

What is Elephant Endotheliotropic Herpesvirus (EEHV)?

EEHV is a highly fatal viral disease that primarily affects young elephants, especially Asian elephants (Elephas maximus). The virus attacks the endothelial cells lining blood vessels, leading to rapid internal bleeding and organ failure.

Key Findings

• More than 20 elephant deaths in Assam during the last decade have been linked to EEHV, although experts believe actual numbers may be higher.
• The disease mainly affects calves between 1 and 8 years of age, with the highest mortality recorded among 2–4-year-old elephants.
• The fatality rate can exceed 90 per cent if treatment is not initiated at an early stage.
• Adult elephants often carry the virus without showing symptoms and act as natural reservoirs of infection.
• The first confirmed EEHV fatality in India was reported in 2013.

Symptoms and Impact

• The disease causes swelling of the head and limbs, bluish discoloration of the tongue and respiratory tract, internal haemorrhage and sudden death within hours of symptom onset.
• Young calves become particularly vulnerable after weaning, when protective antibodies received through the mother’s milk begin to decline.
• Stress, isolation and weakened immunity may increase susceptibility to the disease.

Why is it a Conservation Concern?

• Asian Elephant is listed as Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and is protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
• A female Asian elephant generally produces only 2–3 calves during her lifetime, making calf mortality a serious threat to population recovery.
• The disease affects both captive and wild elephant populations, posing long-term conservation challenges.

Exam Hook – Prelims

Q. Elephant Endotheliotropic Herpesvirus (EEHV) primarily affects:

1. Adult elephants above 30 years
2. Elephant calves and juveniles
3. Only African elephants
4. Only captive elephants

Answer: 2

One-Line Wrap

Elephant Endotheliotropic Herpesvirus is emerging as a major conservation threat to Assam’s elephants, highlighting the growing importance of wildlife disease surveillance alongside habitat protection.