Detection and genomic characterisation of a novel hantavirus in Australian dolphins

Van Brussel, K.; Harvey, E.; Rieken, J.; Bender, H.; Hall, J.; Fenton, H.; Rose, K.; Holmes, E. C.

doi:10.64898/2026.06.03.729993

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bioRxiv · 10.64898/2026.06.03.729993

Detection and genomic characterisation of a novel hantavirus in Australian dolphins

Van Brussel, K.·Harvey, E.·Rieken, J.·Bender, H.·Hall, J.·Fenton, H.·Rose, K.·Holmes, E. C.

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Abstract

We report the detection of a novel hantavirus in the lung tissue of two diseased Australian dolphins with histopathological changes. Phylogenetic analysis placed this virus within the genus Mobatvirus. This highlights the ability of hantaviruses to infect non-terrestrial mammals and the potential role of marine mammals as one health sentinels.

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Van Brussel, K., Harvey, E., Rieken, J., Bender, H., Hall, J., Fenton, H., Rose, K., Holmes, E. C.. 2026-06-08. Detection and genomic characterisation of a novel hantavirus in Australian dolphins. https://doi.org/10.64898/2026.06.03.729993

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