- Scientists in South Africa are investigating mass sardine die-offs along the country's west and south coasts.
- Pilchard herpesvirus (PHV) has been identified in South African sardines for the first time and is currently the primary suspected cause.
- The virus affects fish gills and reduces oxygen uptake, but officials confirmed it poses no risk to human health or seafood safety.
- Experts suggest environmental factors such as changes in water temperature may have also rendered the fish more vulnerable to infection.
- The mass mortality event caused operational disruptions after dead fish clogged a seawater intake at the Koeberg Nuclear Power Station.
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