New Virus Found in Cetaceans - Gansbaai Daily News

New Virus Found in Cetaceans - Gansbaai Daily News

Xplorio Headquarters

A new strand of virus has been identified that has been linked with the death of a stranded Short-Beaked Dolphin back in 2010. The origins and exact threat that the virus poses is still unknown and has brought up many questions.
 
The virus is part of the polyomavirus, or as it is proposed to be named, Dolphin polyomavirus (DPyV-1) and usually found to cause disease in birds. In mammals however, the symptoms are usually mild or subclinical. This fact baffles all as the virus seems to be the reason for the death of the young female dolphin that was found. Further testing also showed that the strain of virus found in this dolphin is different from any other of its kind. 
The strange cross-over of the virus from one host species to the other is similar to the Elephant Seals found in the northeast Pacific. These boisterous animals were infected with swine flu (H1N1 virus) which created an epidemic amongst humans in 2009. Further testing and studies are still to happen as this might help scientists understand other viruses amongst animals. It might also help to prevent the next breakout of a lethal virus. 
In other news, the European Union adopted a strict ban on shark finning last week. As of Saturday, the almost decade long fight to completely ban Shark finning is over. Several loopholes in the restriction of Shark Finning have finally been depleted and the practice is now officially banned in the EU.
 
New Virus Found in Cetaceans - Gansbaai Daily News

Candice Lombard

Xplorio is a marketing company that has created a digital platform to help local communities in the Overberg accurately represent themselves online. The user-friendly Xplorio platform allows towns and businesses to create an online presence that is accurate and true to life. This representation help...

View Profile

What is Xplorio?

Xplorio is your local connection allowing you to find anything and everything about a town.

Watch the Gansbaai Video
Read More

Other Articles

Simple Beauty in Bloom

Simple Beauty in Bloom

Our nature shot is of Petalacte coronata, which was photographed by our conservation team this week.

Grootbos Foundation
Overstrand Tourism Diary: 6 - 10 May 2026

Overstrand Tourism Diary: 6 - 10 May 2026

Here’s the latest Overstrand Tourism Diary.

Gansbaai Tourism
Renovation Project Progress by Combined Engineering Solutions (CES)

Renovation Project Progress by Combined Engineering Solutions (CES)

Since April 2026, Combined Engineering Solutions (CES) has been hard at work on an ongoing renovation project for an existing home...

Gans-Berg News - 8 May 2026

Gans-Berg News - 8 May 2026

This week’s edition of Gans-Berg Nuus / News highlights powerful community stories...

Gans-Berg Nuus / News
Beautiful Baskets Now in Store

Beautiful Baskets Now in Store

At Koekeloer Gift Shop, you’ll find a stunning selection of beautifully crafted baskets ready to suit any need.

See All Articles