OptiGene & The University of Central Lancashire providing a critical advancement in Elephant Endotheliotropic Herpes Virus 1 testing

As part of the upcoming London Vet Show & BVA Live , (14/15th November), OptiGene will be providing an update on the pioneering new molecular diagnostic cartridge test for Elephant Endotheliotropic Herpesvirus 1 (EEHV1).?

EEHV1 is a highly lethal virus that affects young elephants, leading to rapid-onset hemorrhagic disease with a high fatality rate. Without early detection and quick treatment, EEHV1 can claim the lives of calves within hours of symptoms appearing. In response to this need, OptiGene, in collaboration with 英国中央兰开夏大学 , is pioneering the development of a rapid on-site molecular test for EEHV1. Utilising the ultra-simple, liquid handling free, field deployable OptiGene MDX4A molecular diagnostic platform, the new test when validated will enable real-time, on-site diagnostics, representing a significant advancement for elephant healthcare.?

EEHV1 primarily targets Asian elephants, though African elephants are also susceptible. The virus strikes particularly hard among young calves, often progressing from mild symptoms to critical stages in mere hours. Traditional laboratory testing methods for EEHV1 rely on Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technology to detect viral DNA, but the lag time due to sample transportation, processing, and result analysis often takes hours or even days. Given the rapid progression of EEHV1, this delay can be catastrophic for vulnerable calves.

OptiGene’s collaboration with the University of Central Lancashire aims to altogether remove this delay and enable a sample to result, lab comparable sensitivity test in under 30 minutes. For veterinarians and conservation teams, this means a potentially life-saving difference: immediate test results allow for swift antiviral and supportive treatments, which are most effective when administered early. Field-based testing thus offers a vital advantage, bringing essential healthcare capabilities directly to the sites where elephants live.

This innovation holds immense promise for wildlife conservation, as both Asian and African elephant populations are already threatened by habitat loss, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict. Effective early detection and treatment for diseases like EEHV1 are critical to protecting young elephants. Every calf saved contributes to the future of the species, and with mobile, affordable diagnostics, OptiGene and the University of Central Lancashire are setting a new precedent in wildlife healthcare technology.

Through this partnership, conservationists, veterinarians, and researchers gain a powerful tool to protect elephant populations in real-time. The MDX4A platform and EEHV1 testing cartridge symbolises a transformative leap in safeguarding animals.?

OptiGene within its newly signed University of Central Lancashire strategic LAMP development agreement believe this type of test development and the others to follow will have a big and lasting effect on animal health captive or wild worldwide.?

For more information on OptiGene, please contact us here https://www.optigene.co.uk/contact/