It occurs most commonly in the green turtle ( Chelonia mydas), which is currently listed as Endangered by the IUCN, but it has also been reported in the other six species of sea turtle, which (except for one for which there is insufficient data) are all classified as Vulnerable, Endangered or Critically Endangered. It is presumed to be caused by Chelonid herpesvirus 5, although Koch’s postulates for proving the causal relationship have not yet been fulfilled due to the inability of the virus to grow in cell culture and the difficulties of experimentally infecting protected endangered species. ©Peter Bennett & Ursula Keuper-Bennett-1992 - CC BY 3.0įibropapillomatosis (FP) is a disease of sea turtles that results in the production of tumours, both external and internal (i.e., visceral), that are considered benign, but may obstruct crucial functions, such as swimming, feeding, sight, and buoyancy, and can lead to death.
Although FP tumors are benign, they can easily be a significant factor in a turtle's demise and result in death. The large tumors around the flippers can impair swimming. Eye tumors impair vision and can blind the turtle. The mouth tumors, which are unique to Hawaiian greens, can occur inside the mouth and throat, impairing both breathing and feeding. Hawaiian green turtle (Chelonia mydas) severely afflicted with Fibropapillomatosis (FP) tumours.
Hawaiian green turtle severely afflicted with Fibropapillomatosis (FP)