Rabies in a Captive Asian Elephant (Elephas maximus) in Bihar, India: First Confirmed Case With Ante- and Post-Mortem...

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Neurology
• Zoonotic Diseases
• Wildlife Conservation

Background:

• Rabies is a fatal zoonotic encephalitis with rare reports in elephants.
• Elephants, as large mammals, can be susceptible to zoonotic diseases.
• Understanding rabies transmission in elephants is crucial for public health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To document the first confirmed case of rabies in a captive Asian elephant in Bihar, India.
• To utilize both ante-mortem and post-mortem diagnostic techniques for rabies confirmation.
• To discuss the implications of this finding for wildlife conservation and public health strategies.

Main Methods:

• An 8-year-old female elephant presented with acute neurological signs.
• Ante-mortem diagnostics included fluorescent antibody test (FAT) on corneal smears and saliva.
• Post-mortem confirmation involved direct fluorescent antibody (DFA) testing on brain tissues after necropsy.

Main Results:

• Rabies antigen was detected in corneal smears via FAT.
• DFA testing confirmed rabies antigen in cerebellum and brainstem tissues.
• The elephant died on Day 6 post-onset; no bite history was apparent.

Conclusions:

• This case confirms rabies in a captive Asian elephant, a rare occurrence.
• Prompt post-exposure prophylaxis was administered to all exposed personnel.
• This finding underscores the need for vigilance regarding zoonotic diseases in megafauna and informs conservation efforts.