It is important to know that there are multiple different strains of EEHV - it is not a single disease and should not simply be referred to as ‘EEHV’. Chester Zoo animals carry EEHV1a, the most virulent and devastating strain. Whilst calves at other collections have survived, with and without treatment, almost all surviving cases have involved the less aggressive strains, such as EEHV1b. Historically, the problem at CZ (and other collections) has been an inability to determine viraemia and active infection before the animal develops clinical signs - with EEHV1a this has inevitably led to a sad outcome as the disease is too advanced to treat at that stage. In this case, it appears the disease was diagnosed before clinical signs developed and treatment was started before earlier cases. Whilst Indali is not yet ‘out of the woods’, the latest news is massive for CZ as it potentially means the first successful treatment of a calf with EEHV1a. Well done to all involved so far.
Fantastic news Chester have announced on their Facebook page "five rhinos from European zoos are to be returned to Africa" and that Chester "will play a leading role". Apparently all these rhinos will come from another European zoo
Isn't the first successful treatment the one in Amsterdam a few months ago? It is still a great piece of work, but it is not that unique....
The rhinos moving are Manny, Jasmina and Jasiri from Safari Park Dvur Kralove in the Czech Republic, Mandela from Ree Park Safari in Denmark and Olmoti from Flamingo Land in the UK. Mandela and Olmoti have gone over to Dvur Kralove before moving out to the Akagera National Park in Rwanda in June.
Mandela is the offspring of Bashira (and Thabo), who herself is the offspring of Ema Elsa (and Magadi) who was born at Chester in 2009. So a small link to Chester in any case.
Are we talking about black or white rhinos? Also, will these be sent to any known reserve for breeding/reintroduction?
Black Rhino's - they are going to the Akagera National Park. Eventually (following a transition period) they will be released into it
Akagera is managed by African Parks, an organization specialised in restoring national parks throughout Africa. These Black rhino are the latest of a series of reintroductions there.
I doubt the Artis Zoo case was EEHV1a. There are multiple strains within each of the strains, too. To refer to all cases as simply ‘EEHV’ is incorrect and misguided. In the Artis Zoo case, diagnosis and treatment was started after noticing clinical signs, which were minimal. It is possible the calf would have survived without intervention (who knows). Chester Zoo has never had this luxury and it is best to look at these cases in the context of the zoo collection involved (although that can be complicated by having multiple EEHV strains in one herd). In Chester Zoo’s case, all calves have died from the most virulent known strain, EEHV1a, 24-48h after clinical signs/diagnosis. If Indali does survive then I would argue that this is ‘unique’ for Chester Zoo and would be a massive achievement which should be recognised as such.
Has the zoo confirmed Indali had this strain? I havn't paid too much attention other than relief at the press releases on her condition.
Not to my knowledge. I do not know if the exact strain has been confirmed in Indali’s case, I am (perhaps naively) basing my comments on my own research and understanding.
Not sure if this has been mentioned on any of the Chester threads, so I am putting it here: Five new ring-tailed lemur babies and the zoo's first-ever baby black lemur have recently been born at the Madagascar exhibit. More information is included in the link below: Chester Zoo | What's Happening | Rare Baby Lemurs Born at Chester Zoo
The birth of a Dusky Pademelon has been confirmed via social media - a first breeding of this species for Chester.
The Moonsoon forest habitat will officially re-open next year. Chester Zoo's Monsoon Forest set to reopen in 2020 after devastating fire
Chester Zoo have announced Indali has made a full recovery from EEHV: Chester Zoo elephant makes FULL recovery from deadly virus It’s incredible achievement for both Indali and all who care for her at Chester Zoo. Here’s hoping information regarding her successful treatment can be of benefit to other zoos combatting this deadly virus.
I'm not sure if this has already been mentioned, but does this mean she has immunity from the virus now she has recovered?
There’s multiple strains of the EEHV virus; so short answer, no she is not immune to EEHV. However, she may now have immunity to the strain of EEHV that has recently afflicted her. Research into EEHV is still in the pioneer phase, so there’s obviously lots of unknowns but it would be encouraging indeed if this experience has effectively immunised her and could contribute to the research into a vaccine.
