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

JOHANNESBURG (AP) — 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…

  • Scientists investigate pilchard herpesvirus (PHV) as cause of sardine deaths in South Africa.
  • PHV causes inflammation and gill thickening in sardines, affecting oxygen absorption.
  • PHV is first virus of its kind found in South African sardines, not posing human health risk.

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