International Elephant Foundation - Asian and African Elephant Conservation

Instructions for Elephant Endotheliotropic Herpesvirus (EEHV) Sample Submission

Please submit all samples on plenty of dry ice in a sealed styrofoam container.

For a sick elephant with suspected active EEHV infection, please send at least 1-2 ml of whole blood (EDTA, lavender top tube). It is best to transfer the blood to a freezer-safe tube (not glass) after thoroughly mixing with EDTA. We have received broken glass tubes in the past.

We can test any tissue for EEHV from deceased elephants, but it must be frozen (preferably in liquid nitrogen or dry ice, or store in a –70 C freezer). Heart, liver and spleen are the best organs to test for EEHV.

We would like to test placenta from all newborn/stillborn/aborted elephants. Please freeze a 1 inch3 piece (preferably in liquid nitrogen or dry ice, or store in a –70 C freezer).

For EEHV titers, please send at least 2 mls of serum (preferably more). Freeze immediately and send on dry ice.

Please include all pertinent elephant information (including history) on the attached form - EEHV testing form only.doc

Shipping and Contact Info

The best day to ship (FedEx) would be Wednesday for a Thursday arrival. Please call Erin or Laura before shipping samples: Erin Latimer: Email Here 202-673-4869 (W) / 703-471-2168 (H) Laura Richman: Email Here 301-398-4741 (W) 301-253-8723 (H) FedEx to: Erin Latimer/Laura Richman Smithsonian, National Zoological Park Department of Pathology 3001 Connecticut Ave. NW Washington, DC 20008 (202) 673-4869