Marine Wildlife

Sea Turtle Fibropapillomatosis Treatment

Fibropapillomatosis, a tumour disease affecting sea turtles, is linked to pollution and immune compromise, with treatment at rehabilitation centres offering hope.

Key Facts

Fibropapillomatosis (FP) affects an estimated 50-60% of green sea turtles in some populations
Tumours can grow on eyes, flippers, and internal organs, impairing feeding and movement
FP is associated with herpesvirus but triggered by pollution and degraded habitat
Rehabilitation centres can surgically remove tumours, enabling release
Florida's sea turtle hospitals treat hundreds of FP cases annually

Welfare Considerations

Turtles with severe FP suffer significant welfare harms including visual impairment from ocular tumours, reduced swimming ability from flipper tumours, and malnutrition from impaired foraging. Tumour regrowth is common in polluted environments, making habitat quality central to long-term welfare outcomes. The disease represents a direct link between human pollution and individual animal suffering.

What You Can Do

Support sea turtle rehabilitation centres that treat FP cases
Reduce plastic and chemical pollution that contributes to coastal habitat degradation
Advocate for coastal water quality improvements
Support organisations monitoring FP prevalence in wild populations
Follow coral reef protection efforts that improve turtle habitat