RADIOGRAPHIC DIAGNOSIS OF LAMENESS IN AFRICAN ELEPHANTS (LOXODONTA AFRICANA)

Lameness in captive elephants is most commonly caused by pododermatitis or degenerative joint disease. Hard surfaces such as concrete, which produce a damp and cold environment, wet and muddy conditions, as well as restricted movement are the major causes of these problems. Radiography was performed in two African elephants at the Schoenbrunn Zoo in Vienna to determine the cause and extent of lameness. Various radiographic techniques are described for use in trained elephants. Low time settings were used to avoid loss of detail through movement and to minimize exposure while observing radiation safety. A 37-year-old elephant had front limb lameness due to an interdigital abscess. In radiographs of the foot an inhomogenous soft-tissue swelling without involvement of the phalanges was seen. Ultrasonography was helpful in visualizing the fluid-filled abscess. In additional joint radiographs severe degenerative joint disease was identified. A 13-year-old elephant had lameness of the hind limb. Radiographs of the hind limb from the foot to the stifle were made. Open physes and early signs of degenerative joint disease were identified on the radiographs.     

Anatomic variations and degenerative changes in the collateral cartilages and middle and distal phalanges of the forelimb in Ardenner colts

The anatomic variations and the degenerative changes in the collateral cartilages and middle and distal phalanges in 6 Ardenner colts were characterized by radiography, scintigraphy, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The radiographic changes were assessed between the ages of 16.5 and 25 months. An anatomic variation of the middle and distal phalanges was demonstrated in some of the colts. MRI examination of the 6 colts revealed an association between the deep digital flexor tendon cross-sectional area and body weight as well as foot circumference. Also, a thin collateral sesamoidean (suspensory navicular) ligament was observed subjectively. The presence of an extensive ossification of the collateral cartilages of the foot was found in these young horses. The ossification was characterized by the existence of 2 separate ossification centers, which had a tendency to unite. The radiographic interphalangeal degenerative lesions seen appear as bone remodeling of the dorsal edges of the middle and distal phalanx, on the insertion sites of collateral ligaments of the distal interphalangeal joint, the digital extensor tendon, and the distal interphalangeal joint capsule.     

Radiographic, high detail radiographic, microangiographic and histological findings of the distal portion of the tarsus in weanling, young and adult horses.

Clinical radiographic (LM and D35L-P1MO views), high detail radiographic, microangiographic and histological findings of the distal portion of the tarsus of 16 horses (five weanling, four young and six adult), without known clinical histories, were evaluated to determine the sensitivity of clinical radiographs for the detection of abnormalities in the distal tarsus and the prevalence of abnormalities in this population. Clinical radiographic and high detail radiographic abnormalities were observed in at least 30 per cent of the tarsi examined. Statistical agreement between observations from clinical radiographs and corresponding post mortem high detail radiographs was not good for subchondral bone plate irregularities and joint margin changes. Three patterns of sclerosis of the medullary spongiosa were visualised on high detail radiographs: thickening of the subchondral bone plate was seen commonly in the weanling group, whereas arching and bridging patterns were more prevalent in the young and adult groups. Bone production on the dorsal cortex of the central and third tarsal bones did not increase with age. Abnormalities in vascular perfusion and articular cartilage histology were observed in association with subchondral bone plate irregularities and focal regions of osteopenia observed on high detail radiographs.     

Use of famciclovir for the treatment of endotheliotrophic herpesvirus infections in Asian elephants (Elephas maximus).

Two juvenile Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) presented with an acute onset of facial edema and lethargy. Examination of the oral cavity of each animal revealed cyanosis of the tip and distal margins of the tongue suggestive of endothelial inclusion body disease (EIBD) of elephants. Whole-blood samples were obtained, and polymerase chain reaction tests confirmed the presence of elephant herpesvirus. The animals were administered famciclovir (Famvir, SmithKline Beecham Pharmaceuticals, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19101, USA), a potent human anti-herpesvirus drug, in the course of their disease, and recovery followed a treatment regime of 3-4 wk. These are the first known cases of elephants surviving EIBD.     

Is there an association between ossification of the cartilages of the foot and collateral desmopathy of the distal interphalangeal joint or distal phalanx injury?

Reasons for performing study: Associations between degree of ossification of the cartilages of the foot and injuries to other structures of the foot have been suggested, but have not been investigated by large scale studies. Objectives: To describe the frequency of grade >3 ossification of the cartilages of the foot (possibly significant ossification, PSO), mediolateral symmetry of ossification and left‐right symmetry between feet; and to investigate associations between PSO and injury of either the collateral ligaments (CLs) of the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint or the distal phalanx. Hypotheses: Possibly significant ossification of the cartilages of the foot is associated with CL and distal phalanx injury. Distal phalanx injury is associated with a mediolateral difference in ossification grade of ≥2. Methods: Horses were examined for lameness localised to the foot by perineural analgesia, and underwent radiographic and magnetic resonance imaging examinations. Age, breed, occupation, duration of lameness, lame(st) limb, primary cause of lameness, and presence or absence of CL injury were recorded. Dorsopalmar (dorsoplantar) radiographs were examined and ossification of the cartilages of the foot graded using a modification of a previously published scale. Results: One foot from each of 462 horses was included for analysis. There was left‐right symmetry of ossification between feet, and significant association between grades of each foot, with lateral ≥medial cartilages. Possibly significant ossification occurred in the maximally ossified cartilage in 59 (12.8%) feet. There were significant associations between PSO of the maximally ossified cartilage of the foot and injuries of both the CLs of the DIP joint and the distal phalanx. There was no association between distal phalanx injury and marked asymmetry of the ossified cartilages of the foot. Conclusions and clinical relevance: Extensively ossified cartilages of the foot are significantly associated with CL or distal phalanx injury. Markedly asymmetric ossification did not increase the likelihood of distal phalanx injury and should be considered at a prepurchase examination.     

A variant of the endotheliotropic herpesvirus in Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) in European zoos.

Newly discovered, lethal elephant endotheliotropic herpesviruses (EEHV) have been identified in both Asian (Elephas maximus) and African (Loxodonta africana) elephants. Carried by otherwise healthy African elephants they can be fatal mainly for young Asian elephants. Since zoos often harbour both elephant species, we conducted a survey on the presence of EEHV in Asian elephants from 12 European zoos, 3 circuses and 1 Israeli zoo. Here, we demonstrate that all EEHV that have affected Asian elephants so far belong to the EEHV1 group. We also describe the detection and the partial sequencing of an endotheliotropic herpesvirus variant (named EEHV1b) in Asian elephants, being either an EEHV endogenous to Asian elephants or indicating different sources (African elephants) of infection.     

Nonsurgical repair of an umbilical hernia in two Asian elephant calves (Elephas maximus)

Umbilical hernias were diagnosed in two captive-born, female Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) calves several weeks after birth. Daily manual reduction of the hernias for 5 wk in the first case and for 5 mo in the second resulted in complete closure of the defects. Nonsurgical repair of uncomplicated, fully reducible umbilical hernias in Asian elephants can be an alternative to surgery.     

Fatal enterocolitis in Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) caused by Clostridium difficile

Two cases of fatal enteritis caused by Clostridium difficile in captive Asian elephants are reported from an outbreak affecting five females in the same zoo. Post mortem examination including histopathology demonstrated fibrinonecrotic enterocolitis. C. difficile was isolated by selective cultivation from two dead and a third severely affected elephant. Four isolates were obtained and found positive for toxin A and B by PCR. All isolates were positive in a toxigenic culture assay and toxin was demonstrated in the intestinal content from one of the fatal cases and in a surviving but severely affected elephant. PCR ribotyping demonstrated that the C. difficile isolates shared an identical profile, which was different from an epidemiologically unrelated strain, indicating that the outbreak was caused by the same C. difficile clone. It is speculated that the feeding of large quantities of broccoli, a rich source of sulforaphane, which has been shown to inhibit the growth of many intestinal microorganisms may have triggered a subsequent overgrowth by C. difficile. This is the first report of C. difficile as the main cause of fatal enterocolitis in elephants. The findings emphasize the need to regard this organism as potentially dangerous for elephants and caution is recommended concerning antibiotic treatment and feeding with diets containing antimicrobials, which may trigger an expansion of a C. difficile population in the gut.     

A visual health assessment of captive Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) housed in India

A visual health assessment and survey questionnaire was conducted on 81 Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) housed in 10 animal facilities throughout India between November 2004 and February 2005. The survey questionnaire consisted of 10 questions that evaluated the health of the elephants, and they were completed after visually assessing each individual elephant. The information collected was ranked on a scale that was used to statistically compare the health among the study subjects. This study documented that 43.21% of the captive elephants surveyed exhibited hyperkeratosis. A significant proportion of the elephants owned by tourist camps had poor skin condition when compared with elephants from zoos and at a forest camp. Similarly, captive-born individuals were found to have better skin condition than animals that were caught from the wild. Sixty (74.1%) of the captive elephants that were observed during this study had fissures in their footpads, 20% of which were severe. The prevalence of foot fissures was significantly higher in females. A greater proportion of elephants owned by tourist camps displayed vertical and horizontal toenail cracks in comparison with the forest camp and zoo elephants. It was noted that 76.9% of the wounded animals and 80% of those having abscesses were housed at temples and tourist camps. Also, approximately 8.5% of the captive elephant population observed during this study had eye-related problems, and they were all housed at temples and tourist camps. In conclusion, it was evident that elephants housed at temples or tourist camps exhibited poor skin condition with wounds and abscesses. These findings suggest that the overall condition of the elephants housed at tourist camps was poor compared with elephants housed at zoos and at the forest camp.     

Radiographic evolution of the forelimb digit in Ardenner horses from weaning to 28 months of age and its clinical significance

Ossification of collateral cartilages is a common radiographic finding in draught horses and indication of a high frequency of interphalangeal osteo-arthropathy have been found in Ardenner horses. This study first aimed at following the evolution of the digits of the forelimbs on radiographic images in a group of 32 Ardenner horses from weaning to 852 +/- 19 days and, secondly, at evaluating the clinical significance of the observed radiographic changes. At 250 +/- 21 days, only 23% of the horses presented a small separate ossification centre of collateral cartilages above the level of the distal sesamoid bone or at the level of the proximal half of the middle phalanx. At 852 +/- 19 days, 100% of the horses presented an ossification of collateral cartilages but at different stages and grades. The presence and the extent of the ossification of the lateral cartilages were not significantly associated with lameness. Phalanges changes appeared at the average age of 1 year and they were represented by entheseophytes on the dorsal surface of the middle and distal phalanges. The frequency of affected horses increased with age as well as the size of the entheseophytes. This may reflect mechanical stresses applied to the interphalangeal joints. A significant association with the presence of lameness was pointed out. The presence and the severity of phalanges changes could be of importance, in combination with a clinical examination, in improving the selection of horses able to assume work and/or leisure activities.     

Subclinical hypocalcaemia in captive Asian elephants (Elephas maximus)

The hypothesis that hypocalcaemia may play a role in dystocia in captive Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) was investigated. The objectives of the study were to measure the total calcium concentration in elephant plasma; assess the changes in parameters of calcium metabolism during a feeding trial; investigate a possible relationship between calcium metabolism and dystocia; and assess bone mineralisation in captive Asian elephants in vivo. The following parameters were measured: total and ionised calcium, inorganic phosphorous and magnesium, the fractional excretions of these minerals, intact parathyroid hormone, 25-OH-D(3) and 1,25-OH-D(3). Radiographs were taken from tail vertebrae for assessment of bone mineralisation. The mean (sd) heparinised plasma total calcium concentration was 2.7 (0.33) mmol/l (n=43) ranging from 0.84 to 3.08 mmol/l in 11 Asian elephants. There was no significant correlation between plasma total calcium concentration and age. Following feeding of a calcium rich ration to four captive Asian elephant cows, plasma total and ionised calcium peaked at 3.6 (0.24) mmol/l (range 3.4 to 3.9 mmol/l) and 1.25 (0.07) mmol/l (range 1.17 to 1.32 mmol/l), respectively. Plasma ionised calcium concentrations around parturition in four Asian elephant cows ranged from 0.37 to 1.1 mmol/l only. The present study indicates that captive Asian elephants might be hypocalcaemic, and that, in captive Asian elephants, the normal plasma concentration of total calcium should actually be around 3.6 mmol/l and normal plasma concentration of ionised calcium around 1.25 mmol/l. Given the fact that elephants absorb dietary calcium mainly from the intestine, it could be concluded that elephants should be fed calcium-rich diets at all times, and particularly around parturition. In addition, normal values for ionised calcium in captive Asian elephants should be reassessed.     

云南省勐海至孟连高速公路对亚洲象及其栖息地的潜在影响分析

2019年1月—2020年2月,采用访问调查法、无人机调查法、痕迹跟踪调查法及样方法获取了分布于拟建勐海至孟连高速公路沿线野生亚洲象种群数量、迁移轨迹、栖息地(包括植被、水源、硝塘等)等信息,采用3S技术分析了拟建高速公路对沿线亚洲象及栖息地的潜在影响。结果表明:(1)分布于拟建勐海至孟连高速公路沿线的野生亚洲象共计17头,为一孤立的小种群,其中14头常年群体活动,另外3头成年雄象部分时间与象群一起活动,部分时间离群单独活动;(2)在拟建高速公路沿线亚洲象活动区域共记录植物136种,其中包含亚洲象天然食性植物40种,隶属18目24科37属;(3)在勐海县勐满镇多依树村附近,象群的迁移路线与拟建高速公路规划方案的多依树3号隧道交叉;(4)研究区域内的水系受拟建高速公路干扰的区域主要集中在勐海县勐满镇与澜沧县惠民镇交界及以西路段;(5)调查到的22处硝塘中,有3处可能在高速公路建设期和运营期间受到较大干扰,将导致亚洲象对它们的利用率降低。基于以上分析我们认为,拟建勐海-孟连高速公路将对沿线分布的亚洲象种群及其栖息地产生一定的负面影响,增加高速公路的桥梁和隧道设计能有效缓解这些负面影响。为更好地协调高速公路建设和亚洲象保护之间的平衡。我们建议:(1)高速公路施工单位应避免在亚洲象距离拟建高速公路较近时进行爆破等噪音较大的施工作业,为免惊吓象群引发亚洲象对人发动攻击,造成人象冲突;(2)在亚洲象迁移通道出入口种植亚洲象喜爱程度较高的土著植物引导其通行,减少亚洲象通行时的压迫感;(3)在距离亚洲象迁移通道较近的路段布设隔音屏障,并采取限速通行、严禁鸣笛等交通管制。     

Clinical significance of ossification of the cartilages of the front feet based on nuclear bone scintigraphy, radiography and lameness examinations in 21 Finnhorses

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Research on the clinical significance of ossification of the cartilages of the foot has been limited, despite the common nature of the condition and conflicting reports in previous literature. HYPOTHESIS: Some radiographic features in the ossification of the cartilages, such as incomplete fusion lines between separate centres of ossification and the ossified base, are of clinical significance. METHODS: The relationships between radiopharmaceutical uptake in bone phase nuclear scintigraphy at the heels (palmar processes of the distal phalanx, including ossification of the cartilages of the foot), radiographic extent and type of ossification of the cartilages and clinical lameness were evaluated retrospectively in 21 Finnhorses (age > or = 4 years) in a total of 36 front feet. RESULTS: No significant relationship between height of the ossifications and radiopharmaceutical uptake at the ipsilateral heels existed. Clearly separate centres of ossification were not associated with increased uptake. Moderately increased uptake was suspected to be associated with ossification of the adjacent cartilage in only one foot. Intense uptake was present unilaterally in 4 horses, at one medial and 3 lateral heels. In 2 of these horses, a unilateral palmar digital nerve block relieved the mild lameness; 2 horses had no obvious lameness but had a history of being stiff or having locomotion problems during high speed trot. At 2 of the lateral heels, an incomplete fusion line was present between a large separate centre of ossification and the base, and the third horse had a high sidebone with bony protrusions, suggestive of chronic entheseopathy in a narrow foot. At the medial heel, an oblique radiograph revealed a faint radiolucent line at the base of the ossification. In all cartilages with intense radiopharmaceutical uptake at the heel and/or lameness, the ossified part of the cartilage was wider and more irregular compared to other ossifications of the front feet of the individual. CONCLUSIONS: Increased radiopharmaceutical uptake, associated with a different radiographic appearance from that of other ossifications of the front feet, was a conclusive sign of clinical significance. Obscure locomotion problems were more commonly associated with ossification of the cartilages than true lameness. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: This information is useful in lameness and prepurchase examinations and is likely also to be applicable to other coldblooded breeds used for athletic purposes.     

Quantitative analysis of long-bone growth in the horse

Long-bone growth at the distal ends of the radial bones, the distal ends of the 3rd metacarpal bones, the distal ends of the 3rd metatarsal bones, and the proximal ends of the proximal phalangeal bones (of thoracic and pelvic limbs) was quantitatively analyzed in 9 Thoroughbred-Quarter Horse foals from birth to 2 years of age. Metal growth markers were surgically implanted in the bones of the animals at 2 to 4 days of age. Radiographs of the bones were made on the day of surgical manipulation, the next day, and then once a week for 8 months, and once a month thereafter for an additional 18 months. On each radiograph, the intervals between the growth markers were measured and plotted, and these accumulated growth data were subjected to statistical analyses. Growth curves, cumulative growth, and relative growth rates were determined. The ages of radiographic growth plate closure also were determined. Total bone growth observed in these foals was proportionately greater than that observed in a similar study of Shetland-Welsh ponies, probably indicating a breed difference. The most rapid growth rate at the 5 anatomic sites in the foals occurred from birth to 10 weeks of age; however, in the distal part of the radius, there was a continuous, though declining growth rate until 60 weeks of age, whereas in the distal ends of the 3rd metacarpal and metatarsal bones and the proximal end of the proximal phalanges growth ceased abruptly and nearly plateaued after 10 weeks of age.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

A XERORADIOGRAPHIC STUDY OF THE DEVELOPING EQUINE FOREDIGIT AND METACARPOPHALANGEAL REGION FROM BIRTH TO SIX MONTHS OF AGE

The purpose of the project was to provide a reference for radiographic anatomy of the developing equine foredigit and metacarpophalangeal region. Using xeroradiographic techniques, both foredigits and meta-carpophalangeal regions of six Quarter Horse foals were radiographed at one day of age and at two-week intervals until the foals were six weeks old. The foals were then radiographed at four-week intervals until they were 12 months old. This report deals specifically with the first six months of postnatal development. Lateromedial and dorsopalmar xeroradiographs of each foredigit and metacarpophalangeal region and a dorsal 65° proximal-palmarodistal oblique view of the distal part of the digit were made for each examination. The foals were weighed and measured at the withers immediately prior to each examination. Representative xeroradiographs were selected and appropriately labeled to demonstrate normal radio-graphic anatomy of these regions. First radiographic appearance of distal epiphyseal ossification in metacarpal 2 and metacarpal 4 was extremely variable and ranged from four to 38 weeks. Radiographic closure of the proximal physis of the middle phalanx ranged from 18 to 30 weeks (mean = 26 weeks). Radiographic closure of the proximal physis of the proximal phalanx ranged from 22 to 38 weeks (mean = 30 weeks). Radiographic closure of the distal physis of metacarpal 3 ranged from 18 to 38 weeks (mean = 29 weeks). When xeroradiographic physeal closure times were compared with scintigraphic closure times from a companion study, results correlated very well. A crena marginis solearis was observed in ten of 12 forelimbs (83.3%); its first radiographic appearance ranged from four to 22 weeks (mean = 11–12 weeks). A consistent groove in the hoof wall, which formed near the time of birth and moved distally at about 3 mm per week, was noted. The groove's distance from the proximal hoof border may be useful in age estimation of foals less than 18–20 weeks old.     

Premature closure of the distal ulnar growth plate in dogs–a review of 58 cases

Among 92 dogs with disturbance of a growth plate, were 58 with early closure of the distal ulnar pla'te. For the latter group the breed, sex and age prevalence are indicated, and an account is provided of the main clinical and radiographic features associated with this condition. Treatment was by stapling in the majority while others were treated by osteotomy or conservatively. Measurements were made on radiographs of the bones affected to establish the degree of length loss before and after treatment. Aspects of the aetiology, diagnosis and treatment of this condition are discussed.     

Eradication of elephant ear mites (Loxoanoetus bassoni) in two African elephants (Loxodonta africana)

Elephant ear mites, not previously described in North America, were eradicated in two African elephants (Loxodonta africana) after six otic instillations of ivermectin at 2-wk intervals. The microscopic examination of a clear, mucoid discharge collected from the external ear canals of two wild-born African elephants housed in a New York State zoo for 25 yr revealed live mites (Loxoaneotus bassoni). The cytologic examination demonstrated no evidence of inflammation or infection. Both elephants were asymptomatic with normal hemograms and serum chemistry panels. A diagnosis of otoacariasis was made. Each elephant was treated six times with 5 ml of 1% ivermectin syrup instilled in each ear canal once every 2 wk. Microscopic examinations of clear mucus collected from each elephant's ear canals 9 days after the first instillation of ivermectin were negative for any life stages of ear mites. Microscopic examinations of mucus collected from both elephants' ear canals at 6, 11, and 16 wk, as well as annually post-treatment for 7 yr, confirmed eradication of the ear mites. The L. bassoni ear mite was first identified in the external ear canals of wild, asymptomatic, lesion-free, African elephants culled in Kruger National Park in South Africa. However, a new species in the same genus of mites (Loxoanoetus lenae) was identified at the necropsy of an 86-yr-old Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) living in a circus in Australia. The autopsy revealed a marked, ballooning distension of bone around the left external acoustic meatus, suggestive of mite-induced otitis externa, as seen in cattle infested with ear mites (Raillieta auris). Elephant health care providers should identify the prevalence of, and consider treatment of, elephants in their care infested with ear mites, given the possible risk for adverse health effects.     

Conjunctival-corneal intraepithelial neoplasm in an Asian elephant (Elephas maximus).

An adult female Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) presented with an enlarging nasal limbal mass of the left eye. The mass was excised and the surgical bed treated with liquid nitrogen cryotherapy. Histopathologic examination of the excised tissue showed the mass to be a superficial dysplastic ocular lesion, or conjunctival intraepithelial neoplasm. A 5-yr follow-up period has passed without complications or recurrence, suggesting that as is the case in humans (Homo sapiens), excision and cryotherapy is an effective treatment for these lesions in elephants. This is the first report of any ocular neoplasia in an elephant.     

Elephant herpes virus--a problem for breeding and housing of elephants]

Herpesvirus infections which take a fatal turn on African elephants as well as on Asian elephants seem to occur increasingly not only in the USA but also in European stocks. The endotheliotropic herpesvirus causes a rapidly progressing and severe disease which makes any therapeutical effort unsuccessful and finally results in death of the animal, especially in young Asian elephants. As all attempts to culture the virus failed up to now, molecular biological procedures have to be used more often for diagnostical purpose together with the common methods of pathology, virology, and electronmicroscopical evaluation. This is a report on the case of 'KIBA', an eleven year old male elephant at the Zoological Garden Berlin, infected with the endotheliotropic elephants herpesvirus. 'KIBA' was born at the Zoo in Houston, Texas, and raised within his herd. Upon arriving in Berlin in November 1997 he adapted to the new premises and climate and new social circumstances without any problems. In June 1998 he already serviced three females of his new herd several times. In August 1998 he died after passing a peracute progression of the disease after residenting in Berlin for only 9 months. The dissection of the animal revealed some evidence on an agent damaging the endothelium. Major signs indicating this agent were bleedings in several serous membranes, mucosa and on the the right atrium, as well as other parts of the myocardium. Furthermore there have been ulcerations at various localisations of the whole digestive tract. Slightly basophilic intranuclear inclusion bodies have been found histologically in endothelial cells of different organ samples. An examination of altered organ-material by electronmicroscopy made some herpesvirus-like particles visible. A virological investigation first revealed evidence of giant cell formations with solitary basophilic intranuclear inclusion bodies in different cell cultures, however, without any distinct cytopathogenic effect. Supported by molecular biological procedures the infection of 'KIBA' could be verified as the elephants herpesvirus. By means of PCR and subsequent sequence analysis a DNA-sequence typical for the elephants herpesvirus could be obtained which showed an identity of 97% with the terminase sequence of the elephant herpesvirus described by American authors. The deduced amino acid-sequences were 100% identical. To the terminase of the human cytomegalovirus, the elephant sequence had an identity of 53% (similarity: 74%). Based on the cooperation of ILAT, Institute of Veterinary-Pathology/Free University Berlin, Robert-Koch-Institut Berlin, and Zoological Garden Berlin, the cause of 'KIBA's' death could be discovered immediately. Possible implications of this case especially on breeding and keeping elephants are discussed briefly.