Scientists investigate if a herpes virus is behind the mass deaths of sardines off South Africa

The mass mortality of sardines this month has so far stumped the country’s Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, though scientists have come to at least one conclusion: it is the first time that the virus in question — pilchard herpesvirus, or PHV — has been identified in 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’s Department of Forestry, Fisheries and

Scientists are investigating the death of masses of sardines along the coast of South Africa.A huge amount of the fish have washed up dead or dying along parts of the country's west and south coast.The mass mortality of sardines this month has so far stumped the country's Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Envir

Dozens of sardines taken from affected areas, some dead and some alive, are being examined by scientists at the South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity and a local university.

Scientists in South Africa are investigating if a herpes virus is responsible for the mass deaths of sardines

Scientists investigate if a herpes virus is behind the mass deaths of sardines off South Africa  AP News