It’s hard to imagine the ocean without its vibrant stars. But a devastating disease has silently claimed the lives of more than 5 billion sea stars over the past decade. Did you know that? It’s a staggering number, representing a significant ecological crisis. For a long time, the exact cause remained a mystery, leaving scientists searching for answers.
Now, thanks to dedicated research, scientists believe they’ve pinpointed the culprit. The mystery appears to be solved: a virus. Specifically, it’s a type of densovirus that seems to be responsible for the widespread die-offs.
This particular virus, known as the Sea Star Associated Densovirus (SSaDV), infects the sea stars, causing their bodies to break down. It leads to lesions, inflammation, and ultimately, their demise. What’s particularly concerning is how contagious it is and how it seems to have spread so rapidly across different species and regions.
Why is this so important? Sea stars, or starfish as some know them, play a crucial role in their marine environments. They are often