South Africa: Scientists Investigate Herpes Virus Link to Mass Sardine Deaths

Scientists in South Africa are investigating a herpes virus, pilchard herpesvirus (PHV), as the leading cause of mass sardine deaths along the country's coast. The virus, previously linked to similar events in Australia, can impair gill function. While PHV poses no risk to humans, the deaths have caused complications, including clogging a nuclear power plant's seawater intake.