Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF – FRI-Yay/Good News

October 24, 2025 · by · in TGIF · 73 Comments

Photo by Wildlife SOS

 

Today’s good news comes from the Good News Network.

Virus That Kills More Elephants Than Any Other Cause Is Finally Defeated

By Andy Corbley–

Veterinary immunologists have developed a vaccine for a virus that’s one of the the leading killers of elephants in captivity and in the wild.

With no cure, and with a penchant for claiming the lives of elephant calves, elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus (EEHV) has been responsible in recent years for the deaths of five elephants at England’s Chester Zoo, which participated in the development of the vaccine.

The EEHV vaccine’s successful early trials have been heralded as a “landmark moment” for the protection of wild and captive animals in conservation herds.

Delivered in a two-dose set, with the first containing a harmless, dead version of the virus and a second providing a booster to increase the immune response, it was found to trigger a robust immune response against EEHV with no harmful side effects.

“This is a landmark moment in our work to develop safe and efficacious vaccines,” said Professor Falko Steinbach, senior author of the study and a veterinary immunology professor at the University of Surrey. “For the first time, we have shown in elephants that a vaccine can trigger the type of immune response needed to protect them against EEHV.”

The team behind the development of the vaccine, which included scientists from the University of Surrey, Chester Zoo, and the UK’s Animal and Plant Health Agency, published a study presenting the findings from the vaccine trial in Nature Communications.

It showed by comparing blood samples of vaccinated elephants vs non-vaccinated elephants that the drug should be able to prevent herd members from dying of EEHV, and support conservation breeding programs across the world.

“EEHV has taken the lives of so many elephants, both in human care and in the wild, but this vaccine offers hope,” said Dr. Katie Edwards, lead conservation scientist at the Chester Zoo. “We can’t yet say this will be the end of EEHV deaths, but we have taken a massive step towards that goal.”

The good news in this story is that medical research is for animals as well. Today’s JohnKu talks about priorities. I hope you have a wonderful weekend.

Medical Research by John W. Howell © 2025

Research is not only,

To benefit humankind. . .

But all living things

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73 comments

  1. Darlene's avatar
    Darlene · · Reply→

    That is such great news! All living things matter.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar
      John W. Howell · · Reply→

      They do, Darlene. Thanks.

      Liked by 1 person

  2. Sorryless's avatar
    Sorryless · · Reply→

    Another gem, Sheriff. It’s true, a positive benefit for one creature is a positive benefit for all.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar
      John W. Howell · · Reply→

      I like the way you put that, Pilgrim. 😀

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Sorryless's avatar
        Sorryless · · Reply→

        😉

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar
          John W. Howell · ·

          😊

          Liked by 1 person

  3. equipsblog's avatar
    equipsblog · · Reply→

    Hurray, John.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar
      John W. Howell · · Reply→

      Thanks, Pat. 😊

      Like

      1. Unknown's avatar
        Anonymous · · Reply→

        Welcome, John.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar
          John W. Howell · ·

          😊

          Like

  4. bushboy's avatar
    bushboy · · Reply→

    Good news indeed John 😀

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar
      John W. Howell · · Reply→

      I agree. Thanks for the visit. 😊

      Liked by 1 person

  5. GP's avatar
    GP · · Reply→

    I am very happy to hear this news, John!!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar
      John W. Howell · · Reply→

      Me too, GP. Elephant mortality is a concern.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. GP's avatar
        GP · · Reply→

        Very much so!

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar
          John W. Howell · ·

          😊

          Liked by 2 people

  6. coldhandboyack's avatar
    coldhandboyack · · Reply→

    That’s really cool. I wonder what the gauge of that needle looks like.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar
      John W. Howell · · Reply→

      Firehose, maybe. 🤔

      Liked by 1 person

  7. Annette Rochelle Aben's avatar
    Annette Rochelle Aben · · Reply→

    Oh, THIS makes me smile… I love me some ellies ❤

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar
      John W. Howell · · Reply→

      Healthy Elles are the best.

      Liked by 1 person

  8. lois's avatar
    lois · · Reply→

    I had no idea about this virus but thank goodness for the cure. To benefit all living things, Amen.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar
      John W. Howell · · Reply→

      I agree, Lois. 😊

      Liked by 1 person

  9. Ol' Big Jim's avatar
    Ol' Big Jim · · Reply→

    Wonderful news! I hope this vaccine will eradicate it. I can’t help wondering, though, about the root cause of the virus. Spontaneous generation? Doubtful. This is just one more reason I’m so firmly against keeping wild animals in captivity for our amusement. It’s never a good thing for the poor animal, is it?

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar
      John W. Howell · · Reply→

      I only agree with keeping animals in captivity if it is certain they would perish in the wild. Thanks, Jim

      Liked by 1 person

  10. Charles Yallowitz's avatar
    Charles Yallowitz · · Reply→

    Amazing news.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar
      John W. Howell · · Reply→

      Yes it is. Thanks, Charles.

      Like

  11. Esther Chilton's avatar
    Esther Chilton · · Reply→

    What wonderful news. A great breakthrough. And yes, animals deserve research and vaccinations to improve their lives, not just humans.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar
      John W. Howell · · Reply→

      I agree, Esther. Thank you.

      Liked by 1 person

  12. T. W. Dittmer's avatar
    T. W. Dittmer · · Reply→

    That an effective vaccine for EEHV was discovered and is being applied is really good news, John. Happy Friyay!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar
      John W. Howell · · Reply→

      Thank you, Tim. I agree with you.

      Liked by 1 person

  13. Author Jan Sikes's avatar
    Author Jan Sikes · · Reply→

    Another beautiful story of hope!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar
      John W. Howell · · Reply→

      Yes indeed. Thanks, Jan

      Like

  14. Michele Lee's avatar
    Michele Lee · · Reply→

    A wonderful weekend to you too, John and thank you for sharing this hope filled story. Sad to learn of this devastating virus.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar
      John W. Howell · · Reply→

      But it looks like it might be under control 😊

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Michele Lee's avatar
        Michele Lee · · Reply→

        😌

        Liked by 1 person

  15. noelleg44's avatar
    noelleg44 · · Reply→

    Tears of happiness at this great news.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar
      John W. Howell · · Reply→

      It is great news, Noelle, 😊

      Liked by 1 person

  16. Debbie's avatar
    Debbie · · Reply→

    Hooray! I love elephants and so does the Domer, so this is outstanding news indeed. Thank you, John, for telling us about it!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar
      John W. Howell · · Reply→

      I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Debbie.

      Liked by 1 person

  17. Gwen M. Plano's avatar
    Gwen M. Plano · · Reply→

    Wonderful news, John. Thank you for brightening the day! 🌞

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar
      John W. Howell · · Reply→

      Always love to do that. Thanks, Gwen.

      Like

  18. circadianreflections's avatar
    circadianreflections · · Reply→

    You can say that again, JohnKu! That’s great news!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar
      John W. Howell · · Reply→

      😊

      Like

  19. The Coastal Crone's avatar
    The Coastal Crone · · Reply→

    Good news to end the week! Cheers for the weekend! Take care.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar
      John W. Howell · · Reply→

      Thank you, Jo. Cheers.

      Like

  20. thomasstigwikman's avatar
    thomasstigwikman · · Reply→

    That is certainly good news. It made my day.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar
      John W. Howell · · Reply→

      So glad, Thomas

      Liked by 1 person

  21. Dale's avatar
    Dale · · Reply→

    That is wonderful news. So glad they have found a solution to this virus!

    Good news, indeed! Happy Friday!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar
      John W. Howell · · Reply→

      Happy Friday to you, Dale. Thanks.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Dale's avatar
        Dale · · Reply→

        Thank you and you are most welcome!

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar
          John W. Howell · ·

          😊

          Liked by 1 person

  22. Liz Gauffreau's avatar
    Liz Gauffreau · · Reply→

    Wonderful news, reinforced by your JohnKu!!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar
      John W. Howell · · Reply→

      😊 Thank you, Liz.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Liz Gauffreau's avatar
        Liz Gauffreau · · Reply→

        You’re welcome, John.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar
          John W. Howell · ·

          😊

          Liked by 1 person

  23. petespringer's avatar
    petespringer · · Reply→

    Yes, yes, yes, to research. Think of all of the diseases that have been wiped out because of research. That’s one of the best ways we can make our dollars count.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar
      John W. Howell · · Reply→

      Well said, Pete. 😊

      Liked by 1 person

  24. Tails Around the Ranch's avatar
    Tails Around the Ranch · · Reply→

    This story just makes my heart swell with joy. So much to be happy about with this new vaccine. Love it, John. Thank you for sharing.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar
      John W. Howell · · Reply→

      I agree, Monika. I loved the story too. Thanks.

      Liked by 1 person

  25. Jennie's avatar
    Jennie · · Reply→

    How wonderful, including your JohnKu!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar
      John W. Howell · · Reply→

      Thank you, Jennie.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Jennie's avatar
        Jennie · · Reply→

        You are welcome, John.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar
          John W. Howell · ·

          😊

          Liked by 1 person

  26. Resa's avatar
    Resa · · Reply→

    How wonderful.

    There are many non believers in science who should heed the JohnKu!

    🐘X 🐘X

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar
      John W. Howell · · Reply→

      I agree. 🐘X 🐘X 🐘X 🐘X

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Resa's avatar
        Resa · · Reply→

        🐘X 🐘X 🐘X 🐘X
        I’d like to find an elephant mural.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar
          John W. Howell · ·

          Keep looking. 😀X

          Liked by 1 person

        2. Resa's avatar
          Resa · ·

          I will! 😀X

          Liked by 1 person

        3. John W. Howell's avatar
          John W. Howell · ·

          😊X

          Liked by 1 person

  27. robertawrites235681907's avatar
    robertawrites235681907 · · Reply→

    This is wonderful news, John. Thanks for sharing about it.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar
      John W. Howell · · Reply→

      My pleasure, Robbie.

      Like

      1. robertawrites235681907's avatar
        robertawrites235681907 · · Reply→

        💜

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar
          John W. Howell · ·

          😊

          Like

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