Fibropapillomatosis — a disease causing debilitating tumors in sea turtles — is increasing in affected populations, requiring rehabilitation resources to treat affected individuals.
Sea turtles with advanced fibropapillomatosis experience significant welfare suffering from tumors that obstruct vision, impair swimming, and eventually cause internal organ failure if left untreated. Rehabilitation centers that specialize in turtle care can surgically remove tumors under anesthesia, allowing many turtles to recover and return to wild populations. However, treatment does not eliminate the underlying virus, and turtles may redevelop tumors in polluted coastal waters. Addressing the water quality conditions associated with higher disease prevalence is essential for long-term population welfare.