Marine Animal Welfare

Marine Turtle Fibropapillomatosis Treatment

Fibropapillomatosis is a herpesvirus-caused tumor disease affecting sea turtles globally, causing welfare harm and requiring rehabilitation for affected animals.

Key Facts

Fibropapillomas affect green turtles most severely with some populations having 90% prevalence
Tumors grow on skin, eyes, and internal organs causing blindness and reduced mobility
Hawaii and Florida have especially high FP prevalence linked to environmental stressors
Surgical tumor removal in rehabilitation centers allows recovery and release
Environmental improvement including water quality reduces FP prevalence in some areas

Welfare Considerations

Individual turtles with advanced fibropapillomatosis suffer from impaired vision, movement, and feeding. Rehabilitation through surgical removal restores welfare for individuals that can be released. Environmental improvements addressing the disease's triggers protect wild populations.

What You Can Do

Support sea turtle rehabilitation centers with FP treatment programs
Advocate for water quality improvements in areas with high FP prevalence
Learn about environmental stressors contributing to sea turtle immune compromise