Successful treatment of elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus infection in an Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) calf by oral acyclovir medication: Case report

• Published in: Journal of Veterinary Medical Science Vol. 83; no. 1; pp. 125 - 129
• Main Authors: KHAMMESRI, Siripat, MATHURA, Yaoprapa, BOONPRASERT, Khajohnpat, AMPASAVATE, Chadarat, HONGWISET, Darunee, BROWN, Janine L, THITARAM, Chatchote
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Japan JAPANESE SOCIETY OF VETERINARY SCIENCE 01.01.2021; Japan Science and Technology Agency; The Japanese Society of Veterinary Science
• Subjects: Acyclovir; Asian elephant; Case reports; Edema; elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus (EEHV); Elephants; Elephas maximus; Fever; Hemorrhage; Hemorrhagic disease; heterophil toxicity; oral medication; Toxicity; Wildlife Science; elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus (EEHV); acyclovir; oral medication; Asian elephant; heterophil toxicity
• ISSN: 0916-7250; 1347-7439; 1347-7439
• DOI: 10.1292/jvms.20-0375

Elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus (EEHV) is a major cause of death in Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) calves. A 2-year, 11-month-old female, captive Asian elephant presented with facial edema and a mild fever. Blood samples were collected and showed EEHV1A positivity with a high viral load by real time PCR. Heterophil toxicity also was reported for the first time in this case. The calf was treated orally with acyclovir, 45 mg/kg tid for 28 days, which reduced the EEHV1A viral load to undetectable levels within 9 days and the calf survived. A successful outcome with oral acyclovir administration provides another and affordable option to treat EEHV hemorrhagic disease in Asian elephants, and one that is easier to administer in untrained calves.