In a significant scientific advance, researchers are using drones to collect the exhaled breath of whales, providing a crucial, non-invasive window into the health of wild populations in the rapidly changing Arctic.
By flying drones equipped with sterile petri dishes through the “blow”—the visible plume of droplets exhaled when whales surface—scientists have successfully detected the presence of cetacean morbillivirus in humpback, fin, and sperm whales.
This marks the first confirmed discovery of the highly contagious and often deadly pathogen circulating above the Arctic Circle.
“This is a game-changer for the health and well-being of whales,” said Professor Terry Dawson of King’s College London. “It allows us to monitor pathogens in live whales without stress or harm, providing critical insights into diseases in rapidly changing Arctic ecosystems.”
The virus, which spreads easily among dolphins, whales, and porpoises, is known to cause severe disease and has been linked to mass strandings and die-offs worldwide. Its ability to jump between species and travel across oceans makes it a significant threat to marine mammals.
The research, which combined drone-collected breath samples with traditional skin biopsies taken from boats, offers a powerful new tool for early detection. Scientists hope this breakthrough will enable them to spot emerging deadly threats to ocean life before they begin to spread uncontrollably.
By James Kisoo
