Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment on zero sardine mortalities following PHV testing

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) has received no further reports of dead or dying sardines since 10 September 2026. The acute mortality phase has ended, but surveillance continues and any new occurrences should be reported promptly.

Laboratory testing for pilchard herpesvirus (PHV) has resumed following the earlier delay in the supply of essential reagents. The DFFE laboratory has received 107 case records comprising approximately 976 samples. Analysis has been completed for 37 cases comprising 326 samples, with testing of the remaining material continuing.

Initial analysis shows that a substantially greater proportion of dead sardines tested positive for PHV than apparently healthy sardines. Fish in which PHV DNA was detected also had a lower mean condition factor than fish in which it was not detected. These findings strengthen the association between PHV and the mortality event.

The results are nevertheless observational and do not yet establish causation. They cannot determine whether PHV contributed to poorer condition and mortality, whether fish in poorer condition were more susceptible to infection, or whether other factors contributed to both. Further analysis will consider the laboratory results together with pathology, sample condition, collection information and environmental evidence.

Limited fishing took place during the past week as weather conditions improved between periods of poor weather. Directed sardine catches were landed at Gansbaai, in Algoa Bay and from the Cape Point area, while sardine were also taken as bycatch with anchovy and redeye in several areas. Samples collected from these catches will help determine whether PHV remains present in sardines following the mortality event.

The temporary precautionary catch limitation remains in force until 30 October 2026. The Small Pelagic Scientific Working Group will review the latest mortality, laboratory, fishery and predator information on 27 October 2026 before making a further recommendation.

No reports or systematic observations indicating mortality-event-related impacts on African penguins or other sardine-dependent predators have been received. Relevant monitoring information will continue to be considered as it becomes available.

Preparations for the end-of-year hydroacoustic survey remain on track. The survey is planned to begin in November and cover the coast from Hondeklip Bay to Port St Johns, providing the first fisheries-independent estimate of sardine biomass, distribution and size structure following the mortality event.

PHV is a fish virus and is not known to infect people. Commercially produced sardine products released through regulated channels remain safe. Members of the public should nevertheless not collect or consume dead or dying sardines found on beaches or floating out at sea, feed them to animals, or use them as bait.

Enquiries:
Zolile Nqayi
Cell: 082 898 6483
E-mail: znqayi@dffe.gov.za

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