Wild Sea Turtle Fibropapillomatosis

Fibropapillomatosis is a debilitating disease causing tumor growth in sea turtles, linked to coastal water pollution and immune compromise.

Key Facts

Fibropapillomatosis affects all sea turtle species but is most prevalent in green turtles
Tumors develop on the skin, eyes, and internal organs, impairing vision, swimming, and feeding
The disease is associated with herpesvirus infection in immunocompromised individuals
Coastal pollution, algal blooms, and arginine-rich algae are linked to disease incidence
Rehabilitation centers successfully treat fibropapillomatosis through surgical tumor removal

Welfare Considerations

Sea turtles with fibropapillomatosis experience progressive functional impairment as tumors grow over their eyes, flippers, and vital organs. Blind turtles cannot feed effectively and become emaciated. Tumors on flippers impair swimming, trapping turtles near shore in degraded habitats. The association with coastal pollution means that the disease disproportionately affects turtles in areas of highest human impact - a direct link between environmental degradation and individual animal suffering that extends rehabilitation efforts as a band-aid without addressing root causes.

What You Can Do

Support coastal water quality improvement by reducing nutrient and chemical runoff
Donate to sea turtle rehabilitation centers that provide fibropapillomatosis treatment
Report sick or stranded sea turtles to local wildlife rescue organizations immediately
Participate in beach and waterway cleanup events that reduce coastal pollution
Support marine protected areas around known sea turtle foraging and nesting habitats