In the Arctic, drones help scientists in identifying deadly virus in whales, Pg10

Key Highlights:

• Scientists detected cetacean morbillivirus in humpback whales in Arctic waters using drones.
• The study, published in BMC Veterinary Research in mid-December, marks the first identification of the virus in the Arctic.
• Researchers collected over 50 blow samples from humpback, sperm, and fin whales between 2016 and 2025.
• The use of drones provided a non-invasive method for collecting samples, replacing traditional skin biopsies.

Detailed Insights:

• Cetacean morbillivirus is a highly infectious virus affecting the respiratory and neurological systems of marine mammals, leading to mass strandings and deaths.
• The virus spreads through direct contact and respiratory droplets among marine mammals, with some infected animals showing no symptoms.
• Researchers tested for H5N1 (bird flu), herpesvirus, and Brucella, in addition to cetacean morbillivirus, but only the latter was detected.
• The use of drones equipped with petri dishes allowed scientists to collect whale blow samples, which is less invasive than traditional methods.
• The study highlights the importance of long-term monitoring to identify patterns of disease transmission in whale populations.
• This research represents a pioneering effort to monitor pathogens in wild cetacean populations globally, with drones playing a vital role.

Scientific/Technical Concepts Involved:

• Cetacean Morbillivirus: A highly infectious virus affecting marine mammals, causing respiratory and neurological issues.
• Whale Blow: The air expelled through a whale's blowhole, used for non-invasive sample collection.
• H5N1: Also known as bird flu, a virus that can infect both birds and humans.