RapportFondation 2025 V02 EN light - Flipbook - Page 52
2024 REPORT
Supporting SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH
ASIA
& EUROPE
LET’S PROTECT elephants
FROM THE DEVASTATING HAEMORRHAGIC DISEASE
AMOUNT COMMITTED TO DATE: €70,000 –
WE CONTRIBUTE THROUGH TIME-INVESTMENT OF OUR TEAMS.
2021 > PRESENT
Elephant herpesvirus poses a significant threat to the
conservation of Asian elephants, a species already
endangered due to habitat loss, poaching and other
human pressures. The virus, which is fatal in more
than 80% of cases where the disease is diagnosed, is
particularly lethal for young elephants between one and
eight years old, a segment of the population essential
for the long-term survival of the species. Currently, there
is no vaccine or treatment to protect elephants from
herpesvirus, although plasma transfusions can, in the
most favourable cases, save the animals, especially if
administered quickly. With the largest elephant herd in
Europe and direct contact between elephants and their
keepers, Pairi Daiza is able to take a large amount
of blood quickly and safely when an elephant calf
is in danger elsewhere in Europe. Pairi Daiza also
played a part in the introduction of a diagnostic test
for elephant herpes in Belgium, in collaboration with
the Zoolyx veterinary laboratory in Aalst. Lastly, since
2023, the Pairi Daiza Foundation has been working
with the EEHV group at Utrecht University to develop
a vaccine for this devastating disease.
Let’s redouble our efforts in memory of Sayun
“In August 2023, we were heartbroken when our beloved Sayun, the last Asian elephant calf born at Pairi
Daiza, died from elephant herpesvirus when he was
barely two years old. He had zero chance of surviving
the virus, which was particularly virulent in his case.
In his memory, we will redouble our efforts and do
whatever it takes to develop a vaccine for this deadly disease as soon as possible”, said Alicia Quiévy,
Head Veterinarian at Pairi Daiza and member of the
zoological management team.
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