Houston Zoo

Breakthrough Elephant Vaccine Shows First Signs of Protection Against Deadly Virus

EEHV (elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus) is one of the greatest threats facing Asian elephants. Today, Houston Zoo and Baylor College of Medicine have published the first peer-reviewed evidence that an experimental EEHV mRNA vaccine may help protect young elephants from severe disease. Houston Zoo’s Asian elephant Tess became the first elephant ever to receive the experimental EEHV mRNA vaccine, with Winnie and Teddy also participating in the vaccine study. The research builds on a partnership established in 2009 between Houston Zoo and BCM virologist Dr. Paul Ling following the loss of a young Houston Zoo elephant to EEHV. Over the years, this collaboration has led to major advancements in EEHV diagnostics, treatment protocols, and prevention strategies. This milestone represents an important step forward in the fight against EEHV and the continued effort to protect Asian elephants. Read more about the research here: bit.ly/4vVQMqB