Masses of sardines have been found dead or dying along parts of South Africa’s west and south coast, prompting investigations by scientists into the cause. This month’s die-off has so far stumped the country’s Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.
Reporting across outlets says researchers are examining sardines collected from affected areas, including fish that are already dead and those still alive, to determine whether a virus detected in the fish could be involved. Multiple sources describe the herpes virus in question as pilchard herpesvirus (PHV), which has been identified in sardines connected to the event. The South China Morning Post adds that PHV detection in this context is the first time it has been identified in the relevant fish populations.
While all accounts focus on the same working hypothesis—testing whether PHV is responsible—the coverage varies in emphasis. Some outlets focus on the broader mystery of the die-off, others stress residents’ concerns and fear of a disease similar to sardine die-offs reported overseas, and others focus on the ongoing sampling and laboratory investigation at South African institutions.
