Herpes in sea turtles
Scientists from the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine and the Turtle Hospital three years ago were the first to identify a disease that could threaten the survival of critically endangered sea turtles worldwide. They also discovered the possible cause of the tumor epidemic: a virus genetically related to human herpesviruses. The tumors, known as fibropapillomas, appear suddenly on the bodies and shells of turtles; often they appear around the eyes, fins and even in the mouth. Once the lesion has affected the turtle's vision and ability to swim, feeding problems arise, most of which eventually lead to death. Tumors often develop in internal organs, such as the lungs and kidneys, and prevent them from functioning normally.
Paul Klein estimates that more than 50 percent of the green turtles living in the Indian River Lagoon and Florida Bay are affected. Nearly 15 percent of loggerhead sea turtles in Florida Bay suffer from this disease. In some waters in Hawaii, the tumors affect more than 90 percent of green turtles.
A herpes-like virus was found in 95 percent of the tumors examined. "Transmission studies conducted at Turtle Hospital over the past six years have clearly demonstrated that this deadly disease is caused by an infectious agent," said Paul Klein, a professor at the University of Florida. "The fact that this virus is found in more than 95 percent of tumors does not mean that it is the cause of the tumor. But it is a candidate for the cause, since infection with the virus is closely related to the development of the tumor. Within a year, a turtle can become completely covered in tumors, eventually rendering it unable to swim and unable to see.“
In some cases, veterinarians can surgically remove the life-threatening damage, saving the animal's life. But finding a cause and a cure is a race against time. "It takes a long time for sea turtles to reach sexual maturity," Klein said. "This disease particularly affects juvenile tortoises and those just before adulthood."
The virus is similar to human herpes simplex viruses 1 and 2 and the varicella zoster virus that causes chickenpox. However, it is believed that the virus cannot transmit the disease to humans.
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