Spatial distribution of fibropapillomatosis in green turtles along the Queensland coast and an investigation into the influence of water quality on prevalence

Abstract

Fibropapillomatosis (FP) is a tumor-forming disease which affects all species of marine turtle, but predominantly the green turtle (Chelonia mydas). Expression of this disease is thought to be precipitated by poor environmental conditions and often linked to anthropogenically induced environmental changes. Although FP is a globally distributed disease, targeted studies on the spatial distribution of the disease in Australia are limited. Here, we present the first comprehensive report of FP prevalence in Queensland, Australia. A retrospective analysis of 25,645 capture records for 15 sites along the Queensland coast were used to determine FP prevalence and trends in foraging green turtles. Within this data set, 791 turtles (3.1%) with FP tumors were recorded. Our analysis showed that preva-

Fibropapillamatosis: A Review of the Disease with Attention to the Situation Northern Coast of Brazil

“…As noted in a study conducted in Australia, it was observed that turtles affected by FP were often young animals [31]. Therefore, it is frequently observed in young animals, but it has also been diagnosed in turtles near the adult stage and less commonly in adults [32].…”

“…Jones et al [31] conducted a study focusing on water quality variables that could directly or indirectly impact turtles, such as metals and pesticides with potential toxic effects on turtles, as well as dissolved inorganic nitrogen and total suspended solids that could harm seagrass growth, a vital food source for green turtles [68]. This could indirectly affect the health and presence of green turtles in their feeding areas.…”

“…However, the study yielded data that, while relevant, did not show significant importance in indicating a relationship between FP and the water quality parameters analyzed. Overall, Jones et al [31] research findings shed light on the potential impacts of certain water quality variables on turtle health, but further investigation is needed to determine the exact relationship between FP and water quality factors.…”

Exploring the relationship between environmental drivers and the manifestation of fibropapillomatosis in green turtles (Chelonia mydas) in eastern Brazil

“…Firstly, we analyzed a large dataset from a beach monitoring program covering ~400 km of coastline over a four-year period, wherein the presence or absence of FP tumors was systematically recorded (dataset 1). Because this dataset was produced through continuous daily beach surveys where all stranded live and dead sea turtles were recorded following standardized protocols, these results are not subject to the confusion associated with methodological constraints such as data gaps, varying temporal scales, and data capture methods, which has often been a limitation in FP epidemiological studies [ 58 ]. However, while this dataset provides an excellent opportunity to explore the individual and environmental variables associated with the prevalence of FP, it lacks details about the clinical presentation of the disease.…”

Fibropapillomatosis: A Review of the Disease with Attention to the Situation Northern Coast of Brazil

“…The curved carapace length (CCL) is a significant factor in the occurrence of the disease, given that the most frequent disease occurrence has been in turtles with CCLs greater than 30 cm, with a significant decrease in prevalence in animals with CCLs equal to or greater than 80 cm [ 7 ]. In a study conducted in Australia, it was observed that turtles affected by FP were often young animals [ 34 ]. Therefore, it is frequently observed in young animals, but it has also been diagnosed in turtles near the adult stage and less commonly in adults [ 35 ].…”