Deadly virus found in dolphin species found in Hawaiian waters

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Researchers at the University of Hawaii have discovered a deadly virus that affects a species of dolphin found in waters off Hawaii.

After two years of investigation, researchers said they found a new strain of morbillivirus in a Fraser’s dolphin that washed up on Maui in 2018.

Marine mammal disease is responsible for deadly epidemics among dolphins and whales around the world. Officials said more than 200 dolphins had already died in waters off Brazil during a morbillivirus outbreak.

Scientists say the virus discovered is the first linked to Fraser’s dolphin.

“This is important to us here in Hawaii, because we have many other species of dolphins and whales – about 20 species that inhabit Hawaii – that may also be vulnerable to an outbreak of this virus,” said Kristi West, laboratory director at UH Health and Stranding Laboratory.

Researchers said the virus is of particular concern because Fraser’s dolphins are very social and interact closely with other dolphins and whales in Hawaiian waters, meaning it could easily be spread to other marine animals.

The UH Health and Stranding Lab said the next step is to focus on antibody testing of dolphins and Hawaiian whales.

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