Kaziranga’s Jumbos at Risk as Silent Killer Virus Spreads

As human-elephant conflict intensifies across Assam, a far more silent and sinister threat has begun haunting the gentle giants of Kaziranga National Park. A deadly virus, the Elephant Endotheliotropic Herpesvirus (EEHV), has emerged, capable of killing infected elephants in a matter of mere hours.

EEHV is not new to the scientific world, but what makes it particularly terrifying is its swiftness and lethality. Once infected, young elephants can succumb to the virus in just 6 to 24 hours, with no known cure available yet. And now, this deadly pathogen has made its way into one of the world’s most iconic wildlife sanctuaries, Kaziranga.

A Rising Concern

Kaziranga’s Divisional Forest Officer Sonali Ghosh has confirmed that heightened precautions are currently in place across the national park. All departmental elephants are being routinely screened for symptoms of the virus, with special attention to the calves, the most vulnerable group.

To prevent possible outbreaks, the park authorities have moved both elephant calves and their mothers to the Karbi Hills area, far from the reach of wild herds.

We are taking every possible preventive measure. Our team is regularly monitoring the health of all departmental elephants,” said Sonali Ghosh. She added that, as per protocol, any affected elephants are being isolated to prevent the spread of the virus. Additionally, they are being kept near the hills to ensure their safety in case of flooding.

What Is EEHV?

EEHV was first identified in captive elephants and later found to infect wild populations. It is a form of herpesvirus that causes acute hemorrhagic disease, and the onset is so rapid that treatment is often futile. While scientists globally are collaborating to develop a vaccine or cure, none currently exists.

According to noted wildlife conservationist Rathin Barman, “Kaziranga-Karbi Anglong landscape has the highest elephant population in Assam, making it one of the most vulnerable regions for EEHV transmission.”

He further revealed that two years ago, a few captive elephant calves in Kaziranga had tested positive for the virus. Now, new cases have been reported from two different locations in Assam, though the exact sites have not been disclosed for safety reasons.

From Captivity to the Wild

The most alarming part of the EEHV crisis is its ability to jump from captive elephants to their wild counterparts. In Kaziranga, departmental elephants often remain within the sanctuary and come in close contact with wild herds, increasing the chances of transmission.

Barman warns that "Kaziranga must exercise extreme caution." Unlike poaching or visible injuries, this virus offers no time to act once symptoms surface.

A Race Against Time

As the world watches the elephants of Assam with concern, researchers and veterinarians are locked in a race against time. Global collaborations are underway to understand the virus better and possibly develop a vaccine.

Rathin Barman remains cautiously hopeful: “Research is ongoing. We believe that in the near future, there will be a way to prevent this tragic disease.”

For now, Kaziranga, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and sanctuary to some of India’s most iconic wildlife, holds its breath. The park that once battled floods, poaching, and encroachment now faces an invisible threat that could steal away its youngest and most vulnerable inhabitants.

In the silence of the forest, every trumpet of a calf carries an unspoken prayer: to survive.

Also Read: Kapchen Rajkumar, Former MLA from Khonsa North, Killed in Elephant Attack