LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Louisville Zoo’s beloved 3-year-old elephant, Fitz, has been diagnosed with elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus, known as the EEHV virus. According to the zoo, it is a potentially devastating viral infection for elephants worldwide, particularly young elephants.

EEHV strikes elephants in the wild and in zoos and sanctuaries.

The zoo said the elephant care team first noticed signs of the virus on Sunday, June 25, when a fellow elephant named Punch repeatedly placed her trunk in Fitz’s mouth, which is abnormal behavior for the animals.

Staff members also noticed Fitz acting somewhat lethargic. A blood sample was taken and sent to the Smithsonian Zoo in Washington, DC, which confirmed the EEHV virus diagnosis on June 28.

While many elephants worldwide are believed to be born or exposed to the virus shortly after birth, it can remain dormant in their bodies. Many elephants can fight off the virus when activated, but it is harder for weaned calves since they are no longer protected by their mother’s antibodies.

There is no vaccine for the disease and the EEHV virus has about a 20-30% survival rate.

“Our highest priority is keeping Fitz as comfortable and safe as possible. As he’s receiving treatment and under medical care, he will not be viewable to the public, but we hope the community will help us rally behind Fitz,” said Louisville Zoo Director Dan Maloney.

Maloney said the zoo’s animal health and animal care teams are working around the clock to help Fitz, and that zoos across the country had already reached out to assist.

Besides lethargy, signs of the EEHV virus could include unwillingness to eat, a rapid heartbeat, decreased white blood cell and platelet count, and edema. The virus causes hemorrhagic disease, which is the single-most serious medical issue facing the elephant species today. Once a blood test confirms EEHV, diagnosed elephants receive antiviral medications, blood and plasma transfusions, as well as stem cell and supportive therapies to help fight the virus.

Zoos around the country accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums have been in touch with the Louisville Zoo to offer help and guidance regarding the virus. Some have also sent blood and plasma donations to be given to Fitz.

Punch, an Asian elephant that shares the exhibit with Fitz and Mikki, is not showing signs of the infection. The two adult females are behaving and eating normally. No other animals or the public are at risk from the virus.

The Louisville Zoo said it would keep the public informed of Fitz’s progress on their website and social media. They also encouraged people to leave photos and well wishes for Fitz on the zoo’s social media pages.