Scientists Investigate Herpes Virus in Mass Sardine Die-Offs in South Africa
Mass sardine die-offs have been reported along South Africa's west and south coasts this month, prompting investigations by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment and scientists from the South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity. For the first time, the Pilchard herpesvirus (PHV) has been identified in these sardines, which previously caused two major mortality events in Australia during the 1990s. PHV leads to gill inflammation, hindering oxygen uptake, but poses no risk to human health. Commercially caught or canned sardines remain safe for consumption.
Key facts
- Mass sardine die-offs occurred along South Africa's west and south coasts this month.
- Pilchard herpesvirus (PHV) has been identified for the first time in sardines off South Africa.
- PHV was linked to two mass sardine mortality events in Australia in the 1990s.
- PHV causes inflammation and thickening of sardines' gills, interfering with oxygen uptake.
- PHV poses no known risk to human health.
- Commercially caught or canned sardines are safe to eat.
- Scientists at the South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity and a local university are examining sardines.
- The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment is investigating the cause.
Entities
Institutions
- Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
- South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity
Locations
- South Africa
- Australia