Immunological competence in the green turtle and its relationship to the development of fibropapilloma disease

Abstract

Fibropapillomatosis (FP) remains a growing threat to the survival of sea turtles in Florida and other locations worldwide. FP has seriously affected green turtle, Chelonia mydas, populations in Florida and Hawaii and is now emerging as a significant threat to the loggerhead, Caretta caretta, in Florida. In addition the disease has been reported in olive ridley, Lepidochelys olivacea, populations as well. Data from several field studies suggests that high FP prevalence is associated with marine ecosystems impacted by human activities, including agricultural, industrial, and urban development although the exact role of environmental co-factors is unclear. (18 page document)