virus Whales face deadly viruses "Scientists have uncovered the first evidence that a potentially deadly virus is circulating among whales above the Arctic Circle, using drones to sample the animals’ exhaled breath. In a breakthrough for marine conservation, researchers successfully collected “blow” samples from wild humpback, sperm, and fin whales in northern Norway using consumer drones fitted with sterile Petri dishes. The non-invasive technique revealed the presence of cetacean morbillivirus, a highly infectious pathogen linked to mass strandings and die-offs of whales and dolphins worldwide. The study, led by Nord University with partners including King’s College London and The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, analyzed samples collected between 2016 and 2025 across the Northeast Atlantic, including Norway, Iceland, and Cape Verde. Molecular testing confirmed morbillivirus in humpback whale groups in northern Norway, a sperm whale showing signs of poor health, and a stranded pilot whale—marking the virus’s first confirmed detection in Arctic waters. Cetacean morbillivirus attacks the respiratory, nervous, and immune systems and has caused repeated large-scale mortality events since it was first identified in 1987. The team also detected herpesviruses in humpback whales across multiple regions, but found no evidence of avian influenza or Brucella bacteria, both previously associated with marine mammal strandings. Experts say drone-based blow sampling could transform whale health monitoring by allowing early detection of emerging diseases without stressing or harming animals. Long-term surveillance using these methods may be critical for protecting cetacean populations in rapidly changing Arctic environments." Source: BMC Veterinary Research (2025)