Drones have been deployed to collect breath samples from whales in the Arctic, providing an innovative way to monitor the health of these massive marine mammals. This research has revealed the presence of cetacean morbillivirus, a potentially deadly virus, in several whale species, including humpback and sperm whales, in northern Norway. The findings highlight the importance of using drones for non-invasive health monitoring in vulnerable marine ecosystems.

Groundbreaking Study Using Drone Technology

The study, published in BMC Veterinary Research, and which involved collaboration between King’s College London, The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, and Nord University, used consumer drones equipped with sterile Petri dishes to capture respiratory droplets from the blowholes of whales. This technique was a breakthrough in pathogen detection, allowing researchers to monitor diseases in live whales without causing stress or harm to the animals.

The drones hovered over the blowholes of humpback, sperm, and fin whales in the Northeast Atlantic, spanning regions from northern Norway to Iceland and Cape Verde. Between 2016 and 2025, these drones collected breath samples, which were then tested for infectious agents using advanced molecular lab techniques. This non-invasive approach has the potential to revolutionize the way scientists monitor the health of marine species in the Arctic, particularly as the region faces rapid environmental changes.

Co-author Professor Terry Dawson of King’s College London praised the drone technology, stating,

“Drone blow sampling is a game-changer. It allows us to monitor pathogens in live whales without stress or harm, providing critical insights into diseases in rapidly changing Arctic ecosystems.”

This innovative technique eliminates the need for more invasive methods, such as biopsies or tagging, offering a more ethical and efficient solution to studying the health of these majestic creatures.

A New Pathogen Threat to Whale Populations

The study revealed the first evidence of cetacean morbillivirus circulating in Arctic waters, with several infected whales showing signs of poor health. This virus, which was first identified in dolphins, is known for causing severe respiratory, neurological, and immune system damage in cetaceans. It has been responsible for numerous mass strandings and mortality events worldwide since its discovery in 1987.

Researchers found the virus in humpback whale groups in northern Norway, as well as a sperm whale exhibiting poor health, and a stranded pilot whale. The presence of cetacean morbillivirus in these populations is concerning, especially given the potential for outbreaks during winter-feeding aggregations when whales, seabirds, and even humans may come into close contact. The findings underscore the importance of early pathogen detection to mitigate the risk of widespread disease in whale populations.

In addition to cetacean morbillivirus, herpesviruses were also detected in humpback whales across Norway, Iceland, and Cape Verde, further emphasizing the need for continuous monitoring. However, the study did not find any evidence of avian influenza or the bacteria Brucella, which have also been linked to strandings in some cases.

The Implications for Whale Conservation

This groundbreaking research underscores the growing importance of long-term surveillance in understanding the health risks faced by whale populations. Helena Costa, lead author at Nord University, highlighted the need for continued monitoring, stating,

“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.”

The use of drones for health monitoring is a crucial tool in the fight to conserve endangered whale species and understand the threats they face from both pathogens and environmental changes.

As Arctic ecosystems continue to change rapidly due to climate change, the impact on marine life becomes increasingly significant. With diseases like cetacean morbillivirus emerging in previously unaffected regions, understanding how these stressors interact with each other is essential for protecting whale populations. The study’s findings provide valuable insight into the future of whale conservation and the potential for non-invasive technologies to play a key role in safeguarding these marine giants.