Smithsonian scientists are investigating EEHV, a virus that impacts Asian elephants
Elephant Endotheliotropic Herpesvirus (EEHV) Elephant endotheliotropic herpes virus
Once gravely threatened by the rinderpest virus, their numbers are now rebounding
Once gravely threatened by the rinderpest virus, their numbers are now rebounding
in Laikipia County, Kenya, which aims to eradicate (or completely eliminate) the virus
When a person contracts rabies through the bite of an infected animal, the virus
Dr. Suzan Murray, director of the Smithsonian Global Health Program, testified before the U.S. House of Representatives on zoonotic diseases and outbreak investigations.
Determining the origins of a virus is difficult, but ongoing identification of novel
The Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute is committed to preserving Asian and African elephants—both in human care and in the wild. As part of this mission, the Zoo researches diseases that afflict elephants, such as the elephant herpesvirus, known as elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus (EEHV). Researchers at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo were the first to identify EEHV in 1995, following the death of our 16-month-old Asian elephant, Kumari, who was Shanthi’s first calf.
What researchers don’t know is what triggers the virus to become active and where
All Smithsonian museums, including the National Zoo, continue to be closed to support the effort to contain the spread of COVID-19.
As a novel virus, health officials are still working to learn more about COVID-19
How do you monitor disease in Asian elephants? By building their trust and teaching them to voluntarily participate in medical exams! Get a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into caring for our herd.
The elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus (EEHV) is a naturally occurring virus that
The Zoo is taking precautions against the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza, or HPAI.
HPAI, or “highly pathogenic avian influenza,� is a classification of the virus
Movement is a fundamental process that governs how animals find resources and interact with each other and the environment. Smithsonian scientists are advancing the understanding of animal movement through theoretical frameworks and cutting-edge statistical methods.
the dynamics and spatial spread of emerging vector-borne diseases including Zika virus
Smithsonian scientists and partners believe genetic diversity could hold the key to saving amphibians from Ranavirus, a pathogen that is particularly devastating to frogs and toads in the U.S.
The virus is often fatal and can also infect fish, reptiles and other amphibians.
