Willem Schaftenaar

• DVM
• Diergaarde Blijdorp

Prevalence of elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus (EEHV) infections in Asian elephants in Japan was assessed by determination of EEHV gB specific antibody levels. Among 28 healthy Asian (sub)adult elephants from 11 zoos, 27 animals exhibited intermediate to high antibody levels. Like elsewhere worldwide, this suggested exposure of Asian elephants...

Amersfoort Zoo, the Netherlands lost two Asian elephant (E. maximus) calves to EEHV-HD the past years. Both EEHV1A and EEHV1B were detected. At time of infection, serum antibody levels against EEHV1A and EEHV1B were very low in both calves. In order to increase antibody levels protecting the youngest calf (eighteen months old), a plan was developed...

The reproductive cycle of a 14-year-old female Komodo dragon at Rotterdam Zoo was monitored weekly by transcutaneous ultrasonographic examination without using any form of restraint starting in May 2013 until January 2019. The main reasons for monitoring the reproductive cycle were: 1. the male and female were very aggressive to each other when the...

Introduction: Six Asian elephants with severe progressive clinical signs of dysphagia, hyporexia, weakness and recumbency died at a zoological facility within a 12-day period. After ruling out many diseases, a post-mor-tem diagnosis of botulism was made based on clinical signs observed in mice after intraperitoneal inoculation of digestive content...

Six Asian elephants with severe, progressive clinical signs of dysphagia, hyporexia, weakness and recumbency died at a zoological facility within a 12-day period. After ruling out many diseases, a postmortem diagnosis of botulism was done based on clinical signs observed in mice after the intraperitoneally inoculation of digestive content of deceas...

Elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus (EEHV) causes lethal hemorrhagic disease (HD) in Asian and African elephants. Although rapid detection of viremia and supportive treatments may improve survival rates, an effective vaccine would mitigate the devastating effects of this virus. In elephants, chronic infection with EEHV leads to adaptive immunity...

In a colony of four-eyed fishes (A. anableps) some females produced offspring demonstrating birth-defects. At external inspection, the ventral midline was open over variable lengths. In some cases, it was combined with lordosis, kyphosis, or scoliosis. Affected specimens also suffered from cataracts. Histopathology revealed widely scattered degener...

Elephant endotheliotropic herpesviruses (EEHVs), of which eleven (sub)species are currrently distinguished, infect either Asian (Elephas maximus) or African elephants (Loxodonta species). While all adult elephants are latently infected with at least one EEHV (sub)species, young elephants, specifically those with low to non-detectable EEHV-specific...

Elephant endotheliotropic herpesviruses (EEHVs), of which seven species and multiple subspecies are currently distinguished, naturally infect either Asian ( Elephas maximus ) or African elephants ( Loxodonta species). While all adult elephants are latently infected with at least one EEHV (sub)species, EEHV infections in young elephants may lead to...

Asian elephants are an endangered species facing many threats, including severe hemorrhagic disease (HD) caused by the elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus (EEHV). EEHV-HD is the leading cause of death in captive juvenile Asian elephants in North America and Europe, and also affects elephants in their natural range countries. Significant challenge...

Elephant endotheliotropic herpesviruses (EEHVs) have co-existed with elephants for millions of years, yet may cause fatal haemorrhagic disease (EEHV-HD), typically in elephants between 1 and 10 years of age. EEHV is omnipresent in (sub)adult elephants, and young elephants with low EEHV-specific antibody levels are at risk for EEHV-HD, suggesting th...

Metastatic soft tissue mineralization has emerged as a major cause of death in captive Komodo dragons (Varanus komodoensis). A cross-sectional survey-based study was performed to evaluate husbandry-related risk factors for metastatic mineralization in zoo-housed Komodo dragons in the United States. Nineteen institutions participated, nine of which...

Metastatic soft tissue mineralization has emerged as a major cause of death in captive Komodo dragons ( Varanus komodoensis ). A cross-sectional survey-based study was performed to evaluate husbandry-related risk factors for metastatic mineralization in zoo-housed Komodo dragons in the United States. Nineteen institutions participated, nine of whic...

Elephant endotheliotropic herpesviruses (EEHVs) may cause acute, often lethal, hemor-rhagic disease (EEHV-HD) in young elephants. Prevalence of EEHV in different elephant populations is still largely unknown. In order to improve diagnostic tools for the detection of EEHV infections and to obtain insight into its spread among elephants, we developed...

Elephant endotheliotropic herpesviruses (EEHVs) are a group of evolutionary divergent herpesviruses that may cause acute, often lethal, hemorrhagic disease (EEHV-HD) in young elephants. Although EEHV was first discovered over 20 years ago, its prevalence in different elephant populations is still largely unknown, partially due to the lack of readil...

EEHV incidence in captive elephants in Thailand

Background Elephant endotheliotropic herpesviruses (EEHV) can cause an acute highly fatal hemorrhagic disease in young Asian elephants (Elephas maximus), both ex situ and in situ. Amongst eight EEHV types described so far, type 1 (subtype 1A and 1B) is the predominant disease-associated type. Little is known about routes of infection and pathogenes...

In the last two decades, the Elephant Endotheliotropic Herpesvirus (EEHV) has been the main cause of death in young captive Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) (Garner et al, 2009; Long et al, 2015). EEHV is a β-herpesvirus associated with elephants. Elephants in the age of 1-10 years, may die within 1-3 days after showing the first clinical signs of...

The list of threatened and endangered species is growing rapidly, due to various anthropogenic causes. Many endangered species are present in captivity and actively managed in breeding programs in which often little is known about the founder individuals. Recent developments in genetic research techniques have made it possible to sequence and study...

Supplementary Material for Nuijten et al. 2016 including a description of all species (other than Sus cebifrons) used in this study (Table S1), an overview of the cross-validation errors for the Admixture analysis (Table S2), a presentation of shared and island specific variants found in Sus cebifrons individuals (Table S3) and the number of varian...

In order to prevent metabolic bone disease in growing captive-bred marabou storks (Leptoptilos crumeniferus), three hatchlings were exposed twice a day for 30 min each time to ultraviolet-B (UVB) radiation. During their first 35 days of life, body weights were monitored weekly, and blood was collected to determine total calcium, phosphorus, 25(OH)c...

Elephants are classified as critically endangered animals by the International Union for Conservation of Species (IUCN). Elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus (EEHV) poses a large threat to breeding programs of captive Asian elephants by causing fatal haemorrhagic disease. EEHV infection is detected by PCR in samples from both clinically ill and as...

In 1997 a 26-yr-old gemsbok (Oryx gazelle gazelle) died of bovine tuberculosis in a zoo. Three remaining gemsbok were administered the comparative tuberculin skin test repeatedly over a period of 5 mo. Two animals showed inconclusive results on the second test. All three gemsbok were euthanatized. Mycobacterium bovis was isolated from one of those...

The aim of the current study was to assess the effect of oral calcium and cholecalciferol supplementation on several parameters of calcium status in plasma and urine of captive Asian (Elephas maximus; n=10) and African elephants (Loxodonta africana; n=6) and to detect potential species differences. Calcium and cholecalciferol supplementation were i...

A 37-yr-old Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) started parturition after 640 days of pregnancy but no fetal parts entered the birth canal. Despite veterinary intervention, the calf was not delivered. After 13 mo calving resumed and a full-term dead calf advanced into and lodged within the vagina. With standing xylazine tranquilization, the dam receiv...

van der Hoven, B., Klijn, E., van Genderen, M., Schaftenaar, W., de Vogel, L.L., van Duijn, D. & Kompanje, E.J.O., 2012 - Microcirculatory investigations of nasal mucosa in reindeer Rangifer tarandus (Mammalia, Artiodactyla, Cervidae): Rudolph’s nose was overheated - DEINSEA 15: 37 - 46. [ISSN 0923-9308] Published online 19 December 2012 The classi...

Since the identification of elephant endotheliotropic herpes virus (EEHV) in 1995 as a causative agent of fatal hemorrhagic disease of Asian elephants, the virus has claimed more than 50 deaths of newborn and young Asian as well as African elephants both in captivity and in the wild. Despite the devastating disease that it may cause and the great r...

DEVELOPMENT OF AN ELISA FOR DETECTION OF ANTIBODIES AGAINST ENDOTHELIOTROPIC HERPESVIRUS Since the identification of elephant endotheliotropic herpes virus (EEHV) in 1995 as a causative agent of fatal hemorrhagic disease of Asian elephants, the virus has claimed more than 50 deaths of newborn and young Asian as well as African elephants both in cap...

CHRONIC PERFORATING FOOT SOLE LESIONS IN 2 CAPTIVE GREAT INDIAN RHINOCEROSES (RHINOCEROS UNICORNIS). This report describes the ongoing care of chronic foot problems in a couple of adult captive great Indian rhinoceros. The female developed a bilateral lesion in the hind feet at the age of 6 years, 3 years after her arrival at the zoo. A deep, perfo...

Hypocalcemia is a well known cause of dystocia in animals, including elephants in captivity. In order to study calcium metabolism in elephants, it is of utmost importance to use properly validated assays, as these might be prone to specific matrix effects in elephant blood. The aim of the current study was to conduct preliminary work for validation...

Several different strains of elephant endotheliotropic herpes virus-1 (EEHV-1) have been identified via polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques in both African and Asian elephants. EEHV-1 has been identified in both cutaneous lesions in healthy African elephants and fatal cases of hemorrhagic syndrome in Asian elephants. However, until now, no E...

Contents The captive greater one‐horned rhinoceros population consists of 176 animals. Since 1971, a total of 226 calves were born into this captive population. However, 24% of the offspring born were either stillborn or did not survive the first 3 months. The causes for this high rate of stillbirth and neonate mortality have not yet been documente...

Cervical subluxation and compressive myelopathy appears to be a cause of morbidity and mortality in captive Komodo dragons (Varanus komodoensis). Four cases of cervical subluxation resulting in nerve root compression or spinal cord compression were identified. Three were presumptively induced by trauma, and one had an unknown inciting cause. Two dr...

Cervical subluxation and compressive myelopathy appears to be a cause of morbidity and mortality in captive Komodo dragons (Varanus komodoensis). Four cases of cervical subluxation resulting in nerve root compression or spinal cord compression were identified. Three were presumptively induced by trauma, and one had an unknown inciting cause. Two dr...

The breeding process in elephants needs monitoring of several parameters in both males and females. The main tools for the determination of the estrous cycle, the evaluation of the genital tract in both sexes, the determination of the number of fetuses and finally the moment of parturition are hormonal assays (progesterone and in some cases LH assa...

To investigate the possible role of selected pathogens in the decline of endangered European mink (Mustela lutreola) populations and the potential for these pathogens to affect mink survival, a serologic survey was conducted using serum samples collected from March 1996 to March 2003 in eight departments of south-western France. In total, 481 free-...

Obstetrics, one of the oldest fields in veterinary medicine, is well described and practiced in domestic and exotic animals. However, when providing care during elephant birth or dystocia, veterinary intervention options differ greatly from any domestic species, and are far more limited due to the dimensions and specific anatomy of the elephant rep...

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 calciu...

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 virus infections have recently caused unprecedented morbidity and mortality in a wide range of avian species. European Commission directive 2005/744/EC allowed vaccination in zoos under strict conditions, while reducing confinement measures. Vaccination with a commercial H5N2 vaccine with vaccine doses...

ELEPHANT ENDOTHELIOTROPHIC HERPESVIRUS (EEHV) IN THE UNITED KINGDOM: AN UPDATE INCLUDING THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE NATIONAL EEHV MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME Elephant endotheliotrophic herpesvirus (EEHV) is one of the most important emerging diseases of elephants that have implications for the future of captive as well as wild population management programmes...

Since 1995, 4 suspected cases of Endotheliotropic Elephant Herpes Virus (EEHV) infection, i.e. based on clinical presentation, have occurred in Asia without resulting in epidemic outbreaks as expected. In order to confirm the presence of EEHV on the continent of Asia, viral DNA particles from liver samples of a wild-caught 3-year-old elephant found...

In 2003 an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (H7N7) struck poultry in The Netherlands. A European Commission directive made vaccination of valuable species in zoo collections possible under strict conditions. We determined pre- and post-vaccination antibody titres in 211 birds by haemagglutination inhibition test as a measure of v...

Two juvenile, male, captive-born lowland gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) with the same father but different mothers developed bilateral cataracts. The cataracts were surgically removed within 6 yr and 3 mo, respectively, of diagnosis, and foldable intraocular lenses were implanted. Although vision was not restored in one eye with a mature, 6-yr-...

A historical review of foot and mouth disease (FMD) in non-domestic species is given and the use of FMD vaccines to protect those species is described. Several non-domestic species are susceptible to FMD. Legislation in many countries, based on the definition of FMD-free status as determined by the Office International des Epizooties (OIE: World or...

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 prese...

Experimental use of GnRH in blackbuck, springbok and domestic goats.

Evaluation of physiological data and veterinary medical experiences in 31 Asian Elephant (Elephas maximus) births in six European zoos. In February 2000 eight veterinarians (six from elephant breeding zoos and two from the ultrasound group of the Institute of Zoo Biology and Wildlife Research) met in Hamburg for a meeting on Asian Elephant births....

Successful treatment of a subadult Asian elephant bull (Elephas maximus) infected with the endotheliotropic elephant herpes virus After a 10 day long stressful period, a 12-yr-old Asian elephant bull developed non-specific symptoms suspected to be caused by the endotheliotropic elephant herpes virus (EEHV). Diagnosis was confirmed by Polymerase Cha...

Aspects of an Eimeria southwellii infection in cownose rays (Rhinontosa bonasus). Eimeria soufhwellii (coccidia) is a common cause of mortality in cownose rays (Rhinoptera bonasus) in captivity. At Rotterdam Zoo 15/20 (75%) of the rays died with symptoms of wasting and chronic proliferative serositis. In the coeloma a milky opaque fluid contained n...

Infectious diseases pose a risk to non-domestic captive carnivores. Since commercially available vaccines are not always safe for non-domestic species, they cannot be used without testing them for safety and efficacy. A short list of diseases for which vaccination is recommended is provided. Reintroduction programs should include studies of the nee...

This investigation aimed to establish noninvasive methods for endocrine monitoring of estrous cycles and pregnancy in the Indian rhinoceros. Fecal samples were collected 1-3 times per week from nonpregnant and pregnant captive females (n = 7). Enzyme immunoassays for fecal progesterone, androgen, and estrogen metabolites, respectively, were tested...

In July 1997 a lyssavirus was isolated in Denmark from a colony of Egyptian flying foxes (Rousettus aegyptiacus) originating from a Dutch zoo. Sequencing of a 400 nucleotides coding region of the nucleoprotein and of a major part of the G-protein ectodomain encoding region of the newly isolated virus, revealed a very high similarity with European B...

Fecal progestagen analysis in okapis (Okapia johnstoni) was used for diagnosis of pregnancy and reproductive disorders, including a comparison of urinary and fecal progestagen analysis and endocrine data on the postpartum period. Data were generated on reliability of fecal progestagen analysis in early pregnancy diagnosis, and case reports were com...

The occurrence of malignant catarrhal fever caused by ovine herpesvirus-2 in several ruminants OHV-2 was detected by PCR analysis in fatal cases of MCF in exotic ruminants. This result, while no alcelaphine herpesvirus-1 was isolated, confirmed the preliminary diagnosis of MCF based on clinical and necropsy findings. Possible sources of infection w...

Sexing and Assessment of Reproductive Capacity in Giant salamanders (Cryptobrpchidae) by ultrasonography. 10 adult Chinese giant salamanders (Andrias davidianus) and 4 adult hellbenders (Cryptobranchus alleganiens) were sexed hy transcutaneous ultrasound (3.5-10.0 MHz). Additionally, the internal organs were examined for detection of pathological a...

The corpus luteum of African elephants produces high amounts of 5-reduced progesterone metabolites (5-pregnane-3,20-dione and 5--pregnane-3-ol-20-one), whereas progesterone itself is quantitatively less important, and plasma levels of progesterone during the estrous cycle in elephants are considerably lower than those of other mammals. The objectiv...

Abstract Due to its dimensions, dystocia in elephants presents a difficult problem. This paper describes the delivery of a dead calf by surgical intervention. A vestibulotomy was performed under local anesthesia. Complications in wound healing resulted in a permanent fistula of the vestibulum. The difficulties in decision making and the interpretat...