Sick Whales and Dolphins

A novel virus, potentially fatal to whales and dolphins, has been discovered by researchers in the Dept. of Human Nutrition, Food, and Animal Sciences. Prior to its discovery in 10 whale and dolphin host species across the Pacific, the virus was found in only a single marine mammal worldwide.

“We need to understand the causes of mortality and the threats that Hawaiʻi’s dolphins and whales face to better protect these species,” says Kristi West. “Many of Hawaiʻi’s dolphins and whales are residents of small island-associated populations where a disease outbreak that causes severe illness and mortality can have devastating effects.”

Read the UH News story.

Read the KHON2 story