Story perspectives

Pilchard herpesvirus found in mass sardine deaths

8/30/2026

Summary

Scientists Investigate Sardines

South Africa’s environment department says scientists are investigating mass sardine deaths on the west and south coast.
Pilchard herpesvirus (PHV) was found in the dead sardines, marking the first detection in South Africa's waters.
Dead sardines clogged Koeberg Nuclear Power Station’s seawater intake, forcing a 50% power cut on one unit.
Testing about 75 fish showed high PHV levels but officials say the virus poses no human health risk.

Summary

Agencies Guarantee Safety

DFFE and NRCS jointly assure that canned sardines are safe to eat.
NRCS says heat-treatment during canning meets validated time-and-temperature standards that destroy PHV.
Canning facilities must hold NRCS approval, undergo annual reassessment and continuous inspection under the Compulsory Specification Act.
Agencies will keep monitoring sardine mortalities and will update the public as new information emerges.
Officials warn that beach-collected dead sardines may contain harmful bacteria despite their appearance.

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Scientists Investigate Sardines

South Africa’s environment department says scientists are investigating mass sardine deaths on the west and south coast.
Pilchard herpesvirus (PHV) was found in the dead sardines, marking the first detection in South Africa's waters.
Dead sardines clogged Koeberg Nuclear Power Station’s seawater intake, forcing a 50% power cut on one unit.
Testing about 75 fish showed high PHV levels but officials say the virus poses no human health risk.

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