Story perspectives
Cetacean Morbillivirus Found in Whales Amid Arctic Strandings
12/19/2025
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Story summary
- Scientists detected cetacean morbillivirus in the breath of humpback, sperm, and fin whales, linking it to Arctic strandings.
- Researchers collected samples with drones from humpback, sperm, and fin whales in northern Norway, Iceland, and Cape Verde from 2016 to 2025.
- Herpes viruses were detected in humpback whales.
- Avian influenza and brucella were not detected.
- Ongoing surveillance is needed to understand future impacts on whale health.
