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

BACKGROUND

Rabies, a fatal zoonotic encephalitis, is rarely reported in elephants.

OBJECTIVES

To present the first confirmed case of rabies in a captive Asian elephant in Bihar, India, using both ante-mortem and post-mortem diagnostics and discuss its implications for wildlife conservation and public health.

METHODS

An 8-year-old female elephant exhibited acute neurologic signs including aggression, muscle spasms, anorexia and recumbency. Corneal smears and saliva samples were tested ante-mortem using the fluorescent antibody test (FAT) and a rapid diagnostic kit. Following the animal's death on Day 6, a post-mortem necropsy was performed, and direct fluorescent antibody (DFA) testing on brain tissues confirmed the diagnosis.

RESULTS

Rabies antigen was detected in corneal smears (FAT) and confirmed in cerebellum and brainstem tissues (DFA). No bite history was evident. The elephant died on Day 6 post-onset. All personnel classified as exposed under WHO criteria through contact with infectious secretions or involvement in high-risk clinical or necropsy procedures received immediate post-exposure prophylaxis.