An international research team recently discovered two previously unknown viruses living in short-finned pilot whales and orcas. The viruses were found in the Caribbean region of the North Atlantic Ocean. Scientists named the new species shofin circovirus and orcin circovirus. This marks the first time circoviruses have been detected in cetaceans from this specific ocean area.^[1][2][3] ### Hidden Viruses Revealed The discovery was made by a team of scientists from various institutions, including Arizona State University, Coastal Carolina University, and Institut Pasteur in France.^[1][2] Arvind Varsani, a virologist at Arizona State University's School of Life Sciences and Biodesign Institute, led the study.^[1][2] Matthew De Koch served as the first author of the research.^[1][2] Researchers used advanced genetic sequencing techniques to analyze archived tissue samples. These samples came from whales that had died.^[1][2] The team successfully recovered seven complete circovirus genomes during their analysis. Five of these came from short-finned pilot whales, and two were found in orcas.^[1][2][3] Circoviruses are a family of viruses with small, single-stranded DNA genomes. They are known to infect various animals, sometimes causing significant illness and even death.^[3] The newly identified shofin circovirus and orcin circovirus show important differences from the only other known cetacean circovirus, called beaked whale circovirus. That virus was previously found in a stranded whale in the Pacific Ocean.^[1] ### An Ancient Viral Link Genetic analysis suggests these newly identified circoviruses form their own distinct group within the larger Circovirus family.^[1] The study also offers an interesting idea: circoviruses may have been infecting the ancestors of modern whales and dolphins very early in their evolutionary history.^[1][2] However, the researchers emphasize that more genetic data from a wider variety of species is needed to fully test this idea.^[1] "Researchers studying Caribbean whales and orcas have discovered two new viruses not previously observed in these animals," a summary of the findings stated. "The viruses were found using advanced genetic sequencing of archived samples, revealing a previously invisible layer of marine life."^[2] This highlights how much scientists still need to learn about the hidden world of viruses in our oceans. ### What This Means for Whale Health The immediate health impact of these newly discovered circoviruses on the affected whales and orcas is not yet known.^[2] Scientists need to conduct more work to understand if these viruses have noticeable effects on the health of marine mammals. This is a common challenge with new virus discoveries.^[4] "What they mean for whale health is still a mystery, but the discovery opens the door to many new questions," the Arizona State University summary noted.^[2] Understanding these viruses is crucial for protecting marine life. Marine mammals often act as "sentinel animals," meaning their health can signal broader environmental health concerns.^[5] This discovery adds to a growing list of viruses found in marine mammals. For example, another study recently identified anelloviruses in dolphins for the first time. Anelloviruses are common in many mammals, including humans, and are usually not linked to disease. They might be a natural part of a dolphin's viral makeup, much like bacteria in the human gut.^[6] These anelloviruses were found in four dolphin species, including pilot whales and killer whales.^[6] ### Broadening Viral Surveillance Beyond these new discoveries, scientists are also tracking known dangerous viruses in marine environments. Cetacean morbillivirus (CeMV), a highly contagious virus related to measles, is one such concern.^[7][8] This virus has caused mass die-offs in marine mammals globally.^[9][10][8] Recently, cetacean morbillivirus was detected in Arctic waters for the first time.^[9][10] Researchers used drones fitted with Petri dishes to collect whale breath samples, a new, less invasive method for monitoring marine mammal health.^[9][10] "Drone blow sampling is a game-changer," said co-author Terry Dawson. "It allows us to monitor pathogens in live whales without stress or harm, providing critical insights into diseases in rapidly changing Arctic ecosystems."^[9] The H5N1 avian influenza virus is another threat. It has adapted to spread between birds and marine mammals. This virus caused deadly outbreaks in sea lions and seals in South America, killing tens of thousands of mammals.^[11] These instances highlight the constant need for vigilance and research into marine mammal viruses. The ongoing discovery of new and emerging viruses in whales and orcas shows that our understanding of marine ecosystems is still developing. It underscores the critical need for continued research and advanced surveillance methods to protect these vital ocean inhabitants.

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