Story perspectives

Pilchard herpesvirus probed after sardines deaths cripple output

9/1/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment is investigating pilchard herpesvirus as explanation for Western Cape sardine deaths.
Scientists at South Africa Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity confirmed pilchard herpesvirus in dead sardines off Saldanha Bay.
Dead sardines clogged Koeberg nuclear plant’s cooling-water intake, causing the utility to halve output of one unit.
WWF South Africa senior specialist Craig Smith warned the outbreak could trigger a second, more lethal wave.

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Story summary

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment is investigating pilchard herpesvirus as explanation for Western Cape sardine deaths.
Scientists at South Africa Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity confirmed pilchard herpesvirus in dead sardines off Saldanha Bay.
Dead sardines clogged Koeberg nuclear plant’s cooling-water intake, causing the utility to halve output of one unit.
WWF South Africa senior specialist Craig Smith warned the outbreak could trigger a second, more lethal wave.