Fibropapillomatosis, a herpesvirus disease of sea turtles, causes debilitating tumour growth affecting vision, swimming, and feeding, with significant welfare implications for affected individuals.
Key Facts
Fibropapillomatosis affects green sea turtles most severely with tumours on eyes, flippers, and organs
The disease is associated with warm water temperatures and coastal eutrophication
Tumours can grow to impair vision making affected turtles unable to feed or avoid predators
Surgical removal is possible but tumours frequently regrow in affected individuals
Rehabilitation centres caring for FP turtles require significant resources and expertise
Welfare Considerations
Fibropapillomatosis causes progressive physical disability and suffering in affected sea turtles, with severe cases causing blindness and inability to function normally. The disease's association with degraded coastal environments means its welfare impact is a consequence of human environmental impacts.
What You Can Do
Support marine water quality improvement to reduce eutrophication linked to fibropapillomatosis
Donate to sea turtle rehabilitation centres treating FP-affected turtles
Advocate for reduced coastal nutrient runoff through better agricultural and urban waste management