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Herpes virus suspected in mass sardine die-off off South Africa

Scientists in South Africa are investigating a recent mass die-off of sardines along the country's coast. A pilchard herpesvirus (PHV), previously linked to similar events in Australia, has been detected in the affected fish. While the virus is known to impair oxygen uptake in fish, it poses no known risk to human health, and authorities have stated that commercially caught sardines remain safe to eat. AI

RANK_REASON Scientific investigation into a natural phenomenon with potential ecological impact. [lever_c_demoted from research: ic=1 ai=0.1]

Read on SCMP — Tech →

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Herpes virus suspected in mass sardine die-off off South Africa

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Scientific investigation into a natural phenomenon with potential ecological impact. [lever_c_demoted from research: ic=1 ai=0.1]
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COVERAGE [1]

  1. SCMP — Tech TIER_1 English(EN) · Associated Press ·

    Scientists probe if herpes virus is killing sardines off South Africa

    Scientists in South Africa are investigating why masses of sardines have washed up dead or dying along parts of the country’s west and south coast – and if a herpes virus detected in the fish is responsible. The mass mortality of sardines this month has so far stumped the country…