Drones Detect Lethal Virus in Whale Exhalations in Arctic Waters

Researchers have successfully identified a deadly virus in the exhaled breath of wild whales using innovative drone technology. This breakthrough approach enables scientists to monitor the health of cetaceans in their natural habitats without causing distress or harm, offering significant insight into disease prevalence among whale populations in the Arctic region.

A collaborative team from various institutions, including King's College London, the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, and Nord University, utilized commercially available drones equipped with sterile petri dishes. These drones flew above the blowholes of surfacing whales, such as humpback, sperm, and fin whales in Northern Norway, collecting droplets from the animals' exhalations. Analysis of these samples revealed the presence of Cetacean Morbillivirus, a pathogen known to cause severe respiratory and neurological illnesses in marine mammals.

The research, published in a peer-reviewed veterinary journal, highlights the effectiveness of non-invasive sampling methods for monitoring pathogens in cetacean populations. By collecting respiratory droplets and skin biopsies from both living and deceased whales between 2016 and 2025, the team was able to detect not only Cetacean Morbillivirus but also herpesviruses in humpback whales across Norway, Iceland, and Cape Verde. The presence of these viruses is particularly concerning due to their potential to weaken the immune system, leading to secondary infections and contributing to mass stranding events among whales and dolphins in the North East Atlantic.

While the study did not identify avian influenza virus or Brucella bacteria in the collected samples, the detection of multiple virus types underscores the complexity of disease dynamics in Arctic marine ecosystems. The research team observed that dense aggregations of whales during winter feeding periods could facilitate the spread of infectious agents, especially as whales, seabirds, and humans interact more closely in these environments.

The origins of Cetacean Morbillivirus outbreaks date back to 1987, when the pathogen was first associated with significant mortality events in whale populations. Infection can result in acute respiratory distress and immune system damage, often proving fatal. The recent findings suggest that this virus continues to circulate among Arctic cetaceans, emphasizing the need for ongoing surveillance.

Researchers advocate for long-term monitoring programs to better understand the health status of whale populations and the factors influencing disease emergence. Both historical and contemporary stressors, such as environmental changes and increased human activity, may play a role in triggering outbreaks. Continuous observation using non-invasive technologies like drones is expected to provide valuable data for conservation and management efforts.

This study was funded by King's College London and the Research Council of Norway, with contributions from the Arctic University of Norway, the University of Iceland, and the environmental organization BIOS-CV in Cape Verde. The findings represent a significant advancement in the field of marine mammal health, paving the way for more effective monitoring and protection of vulnerable species in rapidly changing Arctic ecosystems.