Antara News·Indonesia·Saturday, August 15, 2026 at 05:55 AM

Aceh boosts monitoring after elephant calf dies of suspected virus

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M.Haris SA, Rahmad Nasution

Banda Aceh, Aceh (ANTARA) - Aceh’s Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) has strengthened early detection of Elephant endotheliotropic herpesviruses (EEHV) after a young elephant died from a suspected infection, officials said.

Aceh BKSDA Chief Ujang Wisnu Barata said the measures followed the death of Yuna, a young elephant at the Saree Elephant Training Center in Aceh Besar District.

"We are strengthening early detection of EEHV in elephant calves as a preventive measure because the virus is particularly dangerous to young elephants," he said.

Yuna, a female elephant calf under 3 years old and the offspring of an elephant named Suci, died Tuesday evening (August 11).

Medical examinations initially indicated that Yuna likely died from EEHV, a potentially fatal virus that can rapidly worsen an elephant calf’s condition, Ujang said on Thursday (August 13).

EEHV is a herpesviridae that infects elephants, particularly young animals, and attacks the lining of blood vessels, according to Ujang.

The damage can cause blood and body fluids to leak into internal organs, triggering fatal shock and sudden death within 48 hours. Mortality can reach 80 percent, he said.

"EEHV can spread through trunk secretions, saliva and feces. A similar case infected Intan, a 4-year-old elephant at the Trumon Conservation Response Unit in 2021," he said.

Ujang said Yuna appeared active as usual Tuesday morning, but her condition changed later that afternoon at about 4 p.m. local time.

Her mahout found her weak, with swollen, reddened eyes, a swollen face, and a pale bluish tongue, Ujang explained.

BKSDA veterinarians and mahouts provided emergency treatment, including intravenous fluids and multivitamins. Yuna’s condition deteriorated rapidly; she collapsed and died at 8:48 p.m.

"Veterinarians immediately conducted a necropsy, followed by burial, which was completed at about 12:30 a.m. on Wednesday," Ujang said.

Before her death, Yuna underwent daily health monitoring and quarterly evaluations. A medical examination in June found her healthy, with a Body Condition Index Score of 5.5. The ideal BCIS range for domesticated elephants is about five to seven.

Other elephants under BKSDA Aceh care, including those at Saree, Peusangan, and Trumon, also receive daily monitoring and periodic health checks.

"As a precaution, we are tightening monitoring and early detection among other elephant calves. We will conduct medical tests to minimise the risk of the virus spreading," Ujang said.

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