Sea turtles, with special emphasis on green turtles (Chelonia mydas), are facing a health crisis on the coasts of Florida due to a disease known as fibropapillomatosis (FP) This disease, fatal in many cases, is caused by a virus from the herpes family, which mainly affects young turtles of approximately two years of age.
The affected turtles arrive at the Turtle Hospital in Florida presenting large tumors similar in size to golf balls, which affect various areas of their body, such as the eyes, neck and fins. These growths can become so severe that they incapacitate the animals, leaving them blind and affecting their ability to swim and feed properly.
What do we know about fibropapillomatosis?
Fibropapillomatosis was first recognized in sea turtles in the 30s. However, since the 80s, this disease has spread rapidly, affecting not only Florida, but also other tropical regions such as Hawaii and the Caribbean. Although experts have studied this disease for years, The exact cause of FP remains a mysteryHowever, there is growing evidence that points to environmental factors such as Marine contamination and the global warming as potential triggers.
In places like Florida, more and more turtles end up in specialized centers like the Turtle Hospital, where veterinarians are struggling to save them. According to Doug Mader, a veterinarian at the hospital, the number of surgeries has increased dramatically in recent years, from six to seven operations a month to six or eight a week. Each turtle requires multiple surgeries to remove the tumors, and some need weeks or months of rehabilitation before being released back into the wild.
The impact of the disease on the sea turtle population
Fortunately, green turtle populations in Florida have shown signs of recovery in recent decades. In 1976, green turtles were listed as endangered, but they slowly began to increase in numbers. In 2022, around XNUMX were recorded. 28,000 green turtle nests on the beaches of Florida.
However, this population renaissance is being countered by the increasing prevalence of fibropapillomatosis. According to recent studies, almost 100% of the 24% of turtles stranded in Florida were suffering from FP. This disease mainly affects juvenile turtles living near the coasts, suggesting that factors related to coastal pollution are significantly influencing the spread of the virus.
El Loggerhead Marinelife Center, in collaboration with other institutes, has been conducting studies to determine why some turtles are more vulnerable to FP than others. Certain areas have been identified where the incidence of the disease is higher, pointing to the possible influence of water quality and proximity to urban areas.
Treatment and recovery: The role of turtle hospitals
The treatment of turtles with fibropapillomatosis is long and complicated. In the Turtle Hospital In Marathon, Florida, multiple surgeries are often necessary to remove tumors before the turtles can be released back into the ocean. Sometimes, veterinarians must resort to advanced techniques such as electrochemotherapy, where a local dose of chemotherapy is delivered using electrical pulses that allow the drug to directly attack the tumor cells, avoiding affecting the rest of the body.
Despite the best efforts of veterinarians, not all turtles can be saved. Tumors not only affect the external tissue, but in some cases also invade internal organs such as the lungs and kidneysWhen this occurs, the chances of survival decrease dramatically.
Another complication is that tumors can recur, even after being treated. In fact, some turtles need to return to the hospital years after being released for further treatment. This is especially problematic in areas where water quality remains poor due to pollution.
Factors that aggravate fibropapillomatosis
Scientists believe that several environmental factors are contributing to the rise of fibropapillomatosis worldwide. These include:
- Marine contamination: Toxic compounds such as flame retardants and pesticide byproducts have been found in seals, sharks and other marine life in Florida. These compounds are thought to suppress the turtles' immune systems, making them more susceptible to the virus that causes fibropapillomatosis.
- Warming of ocean waters: As ocean temperatures rise due to climate change, coastal ecosystems are experiencing major changes. Sea turtles are particularly vulnerable to these fluctuations, as they depend on the balance of their habitats for their survival.
- Food competence and stress: Young turtles face intense competition for food resources, which can also weaken their health and make them more prone to disease.
Although considerable progress has been made in research into the virus that causes fibropapillomatosis, many unanswered questions remain. For example, a recent study by biologists in Florida showed that the 43% of nested green turtles were carrying the disease without showing any visible symptoms. This suggests that some turtles may be asymptomatic carriers of the virus, further complicating conservation efforts.
One possible relief for some sea turtles with tumors is that the tumors can sometimes go away on their own. Still, many turtles need the care of specialized hospitals to improve their chances of survival.
Conservation and future actions
Despite the challenges presented by FP, both researchers and conservation centers are working hard to better understand this disease while trying to save infected turtles. Turtle Tour, an event organized by the Sea Turtle Conservancy in Florida, rehabilitated sea turtles are released with the aim of raising awareness about the impacts of the virus and the threats facing this endangered species.
Ultimately, the future of green sea turtles depends not only on efforts to treat fibropapillomatosis, but also on improving environmental conditions in their habitats. Reducing marine pollution, improving water quality, and protecting nesting areas will be key to ensuring these majestic creatures have the opportunity to thrive in the oceans.
Thanks to the dedication of veterinarians, biologists and volunteers, many turtles have been saved and returned to their natural environment. However, the fight against fibropapillomatosis is far from over and will require many more efforts to reduce its long-term impact.