Drones Revolutionize Whale Disease Detection: A Scientific Breakthrough

The post Scientists Are Using Drones to Sniff Out Deadly Diseases in Whales appeared first on A-Z Animals. Quick Take Scientists used drones to collect whale blow, allowing them to test for diseases without harming or stressing the animals. The study detected cetacean morbillivirus in Arctic whales for the first time, a highly infectious and often fatal disease. Researchers say drone sampling offers a powerful new tool for monitoring whale health as climate change alters migration patterns. Scientists have discovered a new, much less invasive method for testing whales for pathogens. In the past, scientists needed to take biopsies from whales, which left a small wound, to test for infectious diseases. In a new study, researchers used drones to collect samples from the blow (exhaled breath) of whales swimming near northern Norway, Iceland, and Cape Verde. Scientists say this non-invasive method helps monitor the health of whale populations and provides researchers with better insights into what is needed for conservation. A Deadly Virus is Present in Whales in the Arctic In the recent study, published in December 2025, a research team used drones equipped with Petri dishes to collect exhaled breath samples from several whale species as the drones flew overhead. The team tested humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae), sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus), fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus), and a long-finned pilot whale (Globicephala melas) for several serious pathogens. Scientists tested the whales for cetacean morbillivirus, herpesvirus, a bacterium called Brucella, and the avian influenza virus (H5N1). The team discovered that the deadly virus, cetacean morbillivirus, is circulating among whales in the Arctic. It’s the first time the virus has been seen in that region. The researchers did not detect Brucella or H5N1 in any samples. However, they did find herpesvirus in humpback whales sampled near Norway, Iceland, and Cape Verde. Both herpesvirus and cetacean morbillivirus are highly infectious. Cetacean morbillivirus is an often-lethal virus that attacks the immune, respiratory, and neurological systems of dolphins, porpoises, and whales, leading to mass die-offs. It can also infect seals, sea lions, and otters. While many cetaceans infected with herpesvirus don’t have symptoms, it can be fatal in those that are immunocompromised. Drones Let Scientists Monitor the Pathogens in a Non-Invasive Way By using drones, scientists can test whales for diseases without physically interacting with them. Before this innovation, researchers had to rely on testing deceased whales that had washed ashore or taking skin samples from live whales. To obtain a skin sample, scientists had to dart the animal, which resulted in a wound. “Drone blow sampling is a game-changer,” co-author of the study, Terry Dawson, said in a press release. “It allows us to monitor pathogens in live whales without stress or harm, providing critical insights into diseases in rapidly changing Arctic ecosystems.” The scientists equipped drones with Petri dishes and sent them over the ocean. A live video feed showed when a whale was about to exhale through its blowhole. From there, scientists had to maneuver the drones into just the right position to collect droplets from the spray. Lead author of the study, Helena Costa, told NPR just how challenging a feat this was. “Of course, in the moment, it’s like a lot of people just screaming ‘Fly lower’ or ‘Go right’ and ‘The whale is coming.’ So it’s a lot of chaos on the boat,” she said. “But of course, once you look back and you see the results and you see how well the method works, that’s a lot of fun.” How Does Studying Whale Health Benefit the Whales? Although scientists currently cannot treat diseases in whales, tracking their health provides insight into how diseases spread within whale populations. This may lead to a better understanding of what causes whales to get sick and how to prevent it. Scientists can also attempt to reduce stress in sick whales by temporarily shifting shipping lanes to avoid them. Furthermore, they can help protect people from exposure to diseases that whales may carry and transmit to humans. Costa said in the press release, “Going forward, the priority is to continue using these methods for long-term surveillance so we can understand how multiple emerging stressors will shape whale health in the coming years.” Migrating Whales Spread Pathogens to the Arctic The four species tested in the study—humpback whales, sperm whales, fin whales, and long-finned pilot whales—all migrate to the Arctic in the spring. Climate change is disrupting the usual migration patterns of whales. For example, humpback whales have expanded their range further north. Whales carrying diseases could potentially spread them to animals in areas they would not have previously reached. Fortunately, the new drone method of collecting pathogens from whales can help scientists detect health issues in Arctic whales before they begin to spread.