August found the Chiang Mai University Mobile Vet Clinic team quite busy. Between sharing EEHV testing procedures to participating in two national meeting/conferences back-to-back and continuing to attend to cases, the month was certainly full!
The Center, in collaboration with the EEHV laboratory team, conducted molecular laboratory training on EEHV diagnosis for Dr. Roopan Navaneetha Krishnan, a foreign veterinarian who is establishing EEHV diagnostic capacity in Sabah, Malaysia. The training was held August 4th – 8th under the supervision of Lecturer Dr. Thunyamas Guntawang. Both Dr. Roopan and Dr. Paan participated in hands-on practice with PCR-based diagnostic techniques for EEHV. This initiative is expected to significantly benefit the Bornean elephant population by providing access to essential EEHV diagnostic services. In addition, it enhances diagnostic readiness for captive elephants in Chiang Mai, particularly during unofficial hours and holidays when timely diagnosis is critical.
Dr. Paan (front) and Dr Roopan (far back) practice PCR diagnostics
On August 13th, the EEHV Task Force Thailand convened a pre-congress meeting ahead of the National Thai Elephant Conference in Lampang. The meeting brought together veterinarians, researchers, and stakeholders from universities, government agencies, elephant hospitals, and private organizations to discuss the current status of EEHV in Thailand and abroad. Updates were shared on recent EEHV cases, treatment outcomes, and diagnostic advances, alongside reviews of global progress in therapeutic protocols and research.
Group discussions at the EEHV Task Force meeting
The annual National Thai Elephant Conference was held on August 14th – 15th at the National Elephant Institute, Lampang, under the theme “The End Era of Thai Elephants.” The event gathered veterinarians, researchers, mahout leaders, conservationists, government officers, and representatives from the tourism and NGO sectors to discuss the future of Thailand’s elephants. Sessions throughout the conference covered a wide range of critical topics, from advances in population genetics and reproduction management to strategies for mitigating human-elephant conflict, as well as reflections on traditional practices such as wild-capture ceremonies and their relevance in modern conservation contexts. The overarching message of the conference was clear: without immediate and coordinated efforts across research, veterinary care, legislation, and community engagement, the future of Thai elephants remains at serious risk, demanding collective responsibility and action from all stakeholders.
On August 12th, the CMU Mobile Vet Clinic team was called to examine a 10-year-old female elephant in Mae Wang after the owner reported persistent lacrimation for three days. The chief mahout had attempted eye rinsing, but there was no improvement. By the time they arrived, the condition had largely resolved. The veterinarian conducted a thorough ocular examination and performed fluorescein staining to check for corneal ulceration; the result was negative. The veterinarian also demonstrated the proper technique of eye rinsing with a syringe, as the mahouts had previously been flushing only the outer eyelid surface without adequately rinsing the cornea. Medical supplies were provided for follow-up care.
Dr. Paan examines eye
On another visit, vets were called out for a second time as the mahout reported that a 10-month-old calf had been chewing on her mother’s mammary teat. Upon examination, the mother’s right teat was swollen, reddened, and showed a laceration, although milk let-down was still functional. The veterinarian discussed management with the mahout and suggested applying Tinospora extract, which has a naturally bitter taste, to discourage the calf from sucking at the injured site. For wound care, we recommended cleansing the teat only with saline irrigation, avoiding antiseptics or antibiotics to prevent irritation. In addition, the mother was prescribed anti-inflammatory medication for three consecutive days to reduce pain and swelling.
Calf who keeps biting mom
There were several other cases during the month with gastrointestinal symptoms. A couple of the cases involved calves, each of whom thankfully were negative for EEHV and recovered after a visit from the team, examination, and treatment. One call involved four elephants who all seemed to be experiencing colic. By the time the vets arrived three of them were on their way back to normal, but the more severe case (mother to a one-year-old calf) required more attention. To support her recovery, intravenous fluids and a lidocaine CRI were administered to relieve pain and stimulate intestinal motility. Over the course of the day, her condition improved significantly; she appeared brighter, requested food, and passed more feces following another rectal examination and walking.
Cow was encouraged to walk uphill to continue digestive improvement
We are thankful for the continued efforts of the Chiang Mai University Mobile Clinic veterinarians and staff! To help support their mission to care for and conserve Thai elephants, DONATE today!