A rodent-borne virus, encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV), has been identified as the cause of death for Shankar, the only African elephant at Delhi Zoo. The 29-year-old male elephant passed away on September 17, and an autopsy subsequently confirmed the presence of EMCV, as stated by Sanjeet Kumar, the zoo director. This virus can lead to serious inflammation of the heart and, in some cases, brain fever in mammals, and spreads through rodent feces and urine.
Historically, EMCV outbreaks have primarily affected captive animals in settings such as pig farms, primate research centers, and zoos. The virus can replicate quickly in the host, often resulting in sudden mortality, and there is currently no specific antiviral treatment available. Research shows that EMCV has been globally documented in various species, including pigs, rodents, big cats, and African elephants.
Though the virus was first isolated in the United States in 1945, localized outbreaks have occurred around the world, including regions such as South Africa, China, and Europe. The strain affecting Shankar is the first recorded case of EMCV leading to death in India, according to officials at the Indian Veterinary Research Institute. There have been suggestions that other unreported cases of EMCV may have occurred in the country.
Shankar, who spent a significant portion of his life in solitary confinement, had once been part of a pair of African elephants brought to India as a diplomatic gift in 1998. He was later separated from his companion, who died in 2001. Activists had advocated for his relocation to a wildlife sanctuary to be with other elephants, but their appeals met with legal challenges. After his death, only one African elephant remains in India, located at Mysore Zoo, who has similarly lived in isolation for years.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cn402xgqx8wo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss