Healthy Turtles Research Articles

Synovial fluid analysis in healthy green turtles Chelonia mydas in Taiwan.

Septic arthritis is a frustrating disease in sea turtle rehabilitation because of its unclear pathogenesis, delayed onset during rehabilitation, long-term treatment requirements, and potentially poor prognosis. Radiography, blood cultures, and arthrocentesis have been used as diagnostic tools for suspected cases. However, there is currently a lack of data on the characteristics of synovial fluid in healthy sea turtles. To establish reference data for synovial fluid in sea turtles, we enrolled 14 green turtles Chelonia mydas rescued between 2019 and 2022 from 3 facilities using the following inclusion criteria: normal attitude and appetite, normal motor functions of the 4 limbs, no joint swelling, and no ongoing use of antibiotics for at least 1 mo. Bacterial cultures of blood and synovial fluid from the shoulder joints of these turtles were obtained and a qualitative analysis of the synovial fluid was performed. The results revealed bacterial culture-negative blood and synovial fluids at 37°C. Most characteristics of normal synovial fluid in green turtles, such as being transparent, colorless, and able to create a strand of over 2.5 cm by being pulled with a needle in viscosity trials, as well as the cytology of the normal synovial fluids being dominated by histiocytes and synovial lining cells, lymphocytes, and occasionally a few heterophils or erythrocytes were similar to those in mammals. This study provides information on the normal synovial fluid characteristics of green turtles in Taiwan, which may be beneficial for the diagnosis of joint diseases in sea turtles.

How to perform an electrocardiogram in an awake pond slider turtle (Trachemys scripta): a comparative study of five noninvasive methodologies.

To compare multiple noninvasive ECG methods in pond sliders based upon repeatability, ability to recognize standard waveforms, and measurability. The study was performed from November 2023 through January 2024. Ten healthy adult pond turtles were enrolled in the study. ECG tracings were obtained using 4 previously reported and 1 novel ECG methodology, using adhesive patches applied to the prehumeral fossae and abdominal scutes. The 50 ECG tracings were blinded by method and turtle, randomized for evaluation by 4 observers, and assessed for quality on a scale from 0 to 3. Interobserver and intraobserver intraclass correlation coefficients for all tracings were 0.84 and 0.97, respectively, indicating an almost perfect agreement. The average score amongst the observers for each tracing was then averaged by method, ranging from 0.875 to 2.15. The novel method demonstrated a collective average of 2.15 and was the highest scoring method for 8 of 10 turtles. Electrocardiogram utilizing methods that apply adhesive patches to the prehumeral fossae and either the abdominal scutes of the plastron or prefemoral fossae in pond turtles can be performed to produce recognizable waveforms. Diagnostic tools, such as ECGs, are imperative to enhance veterinary care in nonconventional species, particularly with the rising trend of exotic pets worldwide.

AEROBIC BLOOD CULTURES AND COMPARISON TO CLINICAL FINDINGS OF FREE-RANGING GREEN TURTLES (CHELONIA MYDAS) IN EAST CENTRAL FLORIDA.

Positive blood cultures have been identified in debilitated, stranded, and deceased green turtles (Chelonia mydas), suggestive of septicemia. Interpretation of these results is often difficult because multiple studies have previously identified bacteremia in clinically healthy reptiles. In this study, paired blood cultures and skin cultures obtained after aseptic preparation of the venipuncture site were collected from 50 immature free-ranging green turtles from Port Canaveral, Florida. Blood culture results were compared with health status (apparently healthy versus unhealthy, based on physical examination findings and appropriate body condition), date of collection, presence of external fibropapillomatosis, healed or unhealed injuries, and presence of barnacles. Weight, body condition score, body condition index, morphometric measures, volume of blood collected, and body temperature were compared between blood culture-positive and blood culture-negative turtles. Positive blood cultures were identified in 14% (7 of 50) of all turtles, including 15.6% (5 of 32) of apparently healthy turtles. Vibrio spp., Bacillus megaterium, Cellulomonas sp., and Staphylococcus pasteuri were isolated in blood culture from apparently healthy individuals. There was a significant association (P = 0.048) between positive skin cultures and positive blood cultures, but isolates obtained were consistently different between paired results. There was no significant association (P > 0.05) between blood culture results and health status, evidence of healed or unhealed injuries, external fibropapillomatosis, or presence of barnacles. Based on the results of this study, positive blood cultures suggestive of nonclinical bacteremia may be present in apparently healthy green turtles. The results of this study will aid the attending clinician in interpretation of blood culture results of apparently healthy or presumed septicemic captive and rehabilitating green turtles as part of the conservation and population recovery of this threatened species.

PROTEIN ELECTROPHORESIS AND REFERENCE INTERVALS OF SERUM PROTEINS OF A CAPTIVE POPULATION OF ROTI ISLAND SNAKE-NECKED TURTLES (CHELODINA MCCORDI).

Protein electrophoresis (PEP) is an important tool in mammals to characterize specific dysproteinemias and detect acute and chronic inflammatory responses. In reptiles, PEP is the gold standard method for globulin fraction determination and albumin measurement. In this study, preliminary reference intervals were established for serum PEP in 22 clinically healthy adult Roti Island snake-necked turtles (Chelodina mccordi), a critically endangered species, kept in captivity and sampled over two monsoon seasons. The species has a prominent prealbumin fraction and β-globulins were the dominant globulin fraction. Significant differences between females and males were found in prealbumin (P < 0.01), albumin (P = 0.02), α1-globulin (P = 0.05) and γ-globulin (P = 0.01). Gravid females had significantly lower total protein (P < 0.01), prealbumin (P < 0.01), albumin (P < 0.01) and albumin:globulin ratio (P = 0.01). These preliminary reference intervals should aid in clinical investigation in this species as well as further research studies seeking to understand the application of PEP in reptilian species.

Two-dimensional and Doppler Echocardiographic Findings in Healthy Non-sedated Captive European Pond Turtles (Emys orbicularis)

Abstract Two-dimensional (2D) and Doppler echocardiography is considered the most practical diagnostic tool for antemortem evaluation of reptilian heart disease but has only been described in a limited number of chelonian species. Cardiac morphology and function were evaluated by ultrasonography in 35 clinically healthy, captive non-sedated European pond turtles (Emys orbicularis) using 2D-mode, M-mode, and pulsed wave spectral Doppler. Turtles were placed in a temperature-controlled water tank (24-26°C, 75.2-78.8°F) for cardiac examination through the right cervicobrachial window using water as coupling agent. Each echocardiogram included the evaluation of 19 variables, including 6 in 2D-mode, 7 in M-mode, and 6 in Doppler mode, and was performed in 5.64 minutes on average. Morphological and functional abnormalities were identified in eight turtles, including atrioventricular insufficiencies (n = 5), pericardial effusions (n = 4), increased velocity of the ventricular outflow tract (n = 1) and bradyarrhythmia (n = 2). Reference intervals could be established for the 19 parameters in the remaining individuals after excluding outliers (n = 25). Statistically significant positive correlations between weight and diastolic (0.61, P = 0.001) and systolic (0.46, P = 0.018) ventricular volumes, and diastolic ventricular diameter (0.35, P = 0.03) were identified. This study establishes an initial database for the evaluation of captive European pond turtle cardiovascular system by a simple and clinically applicable echocardiographic technique.

Development of reference intervals for serum biochemistry and haematology of juvenile green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) in a Thai rehabilitation centre.

No reference intervals for serum biochemistry and haematology of sea turtles in Thailand exists to assist veterinarians who are responsible for sea turtle health management and treatment. This study determined serum biochemistry and basic haematology of healthy juvenile green sea turtles (n = 92) in captivity in Thailand following the American Society for Veterinary Clinical Pathology (ASVCP), Quality Assurance and Laboratory Standards Committee (QALS) guidelines for the determination of reference intervals in veterinary species. Biochemistry tests, including blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, uric acid, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase were analysed using an IDEXX VetTest Chemistry Analyzer. Haematology parameters were measured manually using a microhaematocrit for packed cell volume (PCV), Neubauer counting chamber for red blood cell count and cyanmethemoglobin method for haemoglobin concentration. mean corpuscular volume and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration were calculated using the PCV, red blood cell count and haemoglobin. Turtles in this study were found to have higher mean values for PCV (28.70%), haemoglobin (92.13 g/L), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (327.03 g/L), uric acid (247.15 μmol/L), alanine aminotransferase (16.53 IU/L), aspartate aminotransferase (209.44 IU/L), and alkaline phosphatase (245.08 IU/L) compared to sea turtles in Brazil. The reference intervals established using high numbers of healthy turtles in this study will assist veterinarians with diagnostic and treatment decisions when evaluating laboratory results for juvenile green sea turtles.

Isolation, identification and characterization of Aeromonas jandaei from diseased Chinese soft-shell turtles.

Aeromonas jandaei is a gram-negative bacterium commonly found in aquatic environments and can induce illnesses in amphibians, reptiles and aquatic animals. In this study, a strain of bacteria was isolated from the diseased Chinese soft-shell turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis), then named strain JDP-FX. This isolate was identified as A. jandaei after analysis of morphological, physiological and biochemical characteristics, as well as 16S rRNA and gyrB gene sequences. Virulence genetic testing further detected temperature-sensitive protease (eprCAI), type III secretion system (TTSS) (ascv), nuclease (nuc), cytotonic enterotoxin (alt) and serine proteinase (ser) in JDP-FX. Compared with healthy Chinese soft-shell turtle, the serum levels of total protein (TP), albumin (ALB) and globulin (GLB) were significantly decreased in the diseased Chinese soft-shell turtle, while, the levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were significantly increased. Histopathological observations showed that multiple tissues, including intestinal mucosa, liver and kidney, were severely damaged in the diseased Chinese soft-shell turtle. Moreover, the diseased Chinese soft-shell turtle had significant cell degeneration, necrosis, sloughing and interstitial inflammatory cell infiltration. The pathogenicity of JDP-FX was tested via artificial infection. The median lethal dosage (LD50 ) of the strain was 1.05 × 105 colony forming units (CFU/g) per weight of Chinese soft-shell turtle. Drug susceptibility analysis revealed that JDP-FX was susceptible to ceftazidime, minocycline, cefoperazone, ceftriaxone and piperacillin. In addition, JDP-FX was resistant to doxycycline, florfenicol, sulfonamides, gentamicin, ampicillin and neomycin. Therefore, this study may provide guidance for further research into the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of JDP-FX infection.

Health status and genetic compositions of green turtles (Chelonia mydas) foraging in Brunei Bay.

Long-term monitoring of sea turtle aggregations is critical for understanding the impacts of environmental changes on their population health and habitat suitability. Brunei Bay is a significant foraging ground for green turtles in the South China Sea. We analyzed the body size, hematology and body condition of green turtles for their health status in their foraging ground in Brunei Bay over a period of nine years (2011-2019). Additionally, we used mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) to evaluate changes in the size and genetic composition of green turtle aggregations. Our findings revealed that the size composition of the green turtle population varied seasonally, but there were no significant temporal changes in genetic and size compositions. Hematology parameters and Fulton's body condition index were consistent with those reported for apparently healthy green turtles. Furthermore, we found that blood reference intervals indicated the turtles were healthy. These results provide valuable baseline data for future comparisons with other foraging aggregations and for long-term monitoring of green turtles in Brunei Bay.

Fusarium spp. an emerging fungal threat to leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea) eggs and neonates

IntroductionFungal diseases are a rising health problem globally, in humans, nonhuman animals, and plants. Emerging fungal diseases have been associated with mass mortality events. A recent example of fungal disease pathogenicity is sea turtle egg fusariosis (STEF). The pathogenicity of STEF has been linked to fungi within the Fusarium solani species complex (FSSC). This complex is composed of over 45 phylogenetically identifiable species commonly found in the environment. Species within the FSSC lineage have been isolated from the nests of multiple sea turtle species and are linked to decreased hatching success in all 7 of the extant sea turtle species. Fungi within this lineage are also known to cause cutaneous and subcutaneous infections. These fungi are not only a threat to sea turtles but also to other animals, including humans, that use coastal waters and beaches inhabited by Fusarium spp. The presence of Fusarium spp., in the context of sea turtle health, has not been investigated on southeastern Florida beaches which are fundamentally important for at least three sea turtle species that nest there in large numbers.MethodsWe performed a retrospective assessment of necropsy reports from dead captive leatherback neonates from 2010 to 2022 to assess the most common microscopic diagnoses and the presence of skin lesions associated with mycotic dermatitis. Additionally, live captive leatherbacks and dead-in-nest samples from the 2022 hatching season were used to assess the presence and effect of mycotic dermatitis in Juno Beach and Boca Raton, Florida, USA. This was accomplished by observing gross lesions, fungal cultures, and blood values.ResultsThe retrospective analysis of dead captive neonates revealed that the diagnosis of mycotic dermatitis on histopathology has significantly increased since 2010. The assessment of gross skin lesions associated with mycotic dermatitis in dead and live captive leatherback neonates also revealed a similar increase. Investigations in live captive leatherbacks revealed fungal cultures positive for Fusarium spp. and significant differences in blood values at emergence between healthy turtles and those that later developed mycotic dermatitis.DiscussionPositive dead-in-nest culture results suggest that Fusarium spp. are likely present in leatherback sea turtle nests in Boca Raton and Juno Beach, Florida, USA. Additionally, the occurrence of mycotic dermatitis in dead and live captive leatherback neonates suggests that the presence of Fusarium spp. in the nest likely affects leatherback neonates even after emergence.

Comparison of intramuscular alfaxalone with medetomidine-ketamine for inducing anaesthesia in Trachemys scripta spp. undergoing sterilization

ObjectiveTo compare the effect of two anaesthetic protocols on heart rate (HR), time to muscle relaxation and tracheal intubation and time to surgical plane of anaesthesia, in Trachemys scripta spp. undergoing oophorectomy. Study designProspective randomized clinical study. AnimalsA total of 43 healthy female turtles. MethodsMorphine (1.5 mg kg–1) was injected subcutaneously 2 hours before anaesthesia induction. The turtles were randomly administered either medetomidine (0.2 mg kg–1) and ketamine (10 mg kg–1) (group MK; n = 23) or alfaxalone (20 mg kg–1) (group A; n = 20) intramuscularly followed by bupivacaine (2 mg kg–1) administered subcutaneously along the incision site. Anaesthesia was maintained with isoflurane delivered in oxygen (100%). HR and the anaesthetic depth score (ADS) were recorded every 5 minutes from induction to recovery. A Friedman test followed by Wilcoxon tests with Bonferroni adjustment were used to compare these non-parametric data (HR and ADS) between groups and over time. Time to muscle relaxation of neck and limbs (TMR), tracheal tube insertion (TTTI) and stage of surgical anaesthesia (TADS≤3) were recorded and compared between groups using a Welch’s t test after logarithmic transformation. ResultsMedian values of TMR, TTTI and TADS≤3 were 4, 9.5 and 25 minutes in group A, respectively, and 14, 20 and 35 minutes in group MK (TMR, TTTIp ≤ 0.0001; TADS≤3p = 0.001). Plane of anaesthesia was significantly deeper in group A than in group MK for the first 20 minutes (p < 0.01). HR at 10 and 15 minutes post injection was significantly lower in group MK (28 beats minute–1) than in group A (36 and 34 beats minute–1) (p < 0.02). Conclusions and clinical relevanceAfter intramuscular injection in Trachemys scripta spp., tracheal intubation, muscle relaxation and a surgical plane of anaesthesia developed faster with alfaxalone than medetomidine–ketamine.

No Evidence of Long-Term Effects on Physiological Stress or Innate Immune Functioning in Northern Map Turtles a Decade After a Freshwater Oil Spill

Environmental perturbations such as chemical spills often have immediate and obvious effects on the health of ecosystems and individual organisms. However, the long-term effects of such perturbations are less evident and often less well-understood. In July 2010, a ruptured pipeline spilled diluted bitumen into the Kalamazoo River in Michigan, USA, ultimately oiling 56 km of the river channel. During spill cleanup operations, the most common vertebrate species rescued from the oiled river channel was the Northern Map Turtle (Graptemys geographica), of which over 2000 individuals were captured, cleaned of oil, and released. We returned to areas along the 2010 spill gradient to determine whether turtles from locations that had experienced different magnitudes of oiling in 2010 differed in baseline stress levels or immune functioning in 2020, which was 10 yr after the oil spill. In 2020, we collected blood samples from 100 individual Northern Map Turtles along the 2010 spill gradient and subsequently quantified the heterophil:lymphocyte ratio, bactericidal capacity, and natural antibody agglutination. We found no correlation between turtles' 2020 capture locations relative to the origin of the 2010 oil spill and either mean stress level (heterophil:lymphocyte ratio) or immune functioning (bactericidal capacity and natural antibody agglutination ability). Thus, we found no evidence that Northern Map Turtles sampled along a gradient of oil exposure resulting from the 2010 Kalamazoo River oil spill experienced long-term effects on physiological stress levels or immune functioning. Importantly, our sampling did not include any individuals that may have died during 2010–2020 from poor health after the oil spill and therefore is biased toward healthy turtles remaining in the population. Interestingly, we found that a subset of turtles known to have been oiled in 2010 actually had higher natural antibody titers than turtles sampled from a control site that presumably had never been exposed to oil. We cannot exclude the possibility of other long-term effects of the oil spill on the Map Turtle population, such as decreased reproductive output. We recommend that long-term monitoring of populations and ecosystems be included in spill mitigation plans to track the recovery of populations and ecosystems over time and to document any effects that may become evident only years after the spill event.

Description of normal pulmonary radiographic findings in 55 apparently healthy juvenile Kemp's ridley sea turtles (Lepidochelys kempii).

A total of 55 digital radiographic studies from 53 individual juvenile Kemp's ridley sea turtles (Lepidochelys kempii) were retrospectively used to determine the normal radiographic anatomy of the lower respiratory tract in sea turtles that had been stranded due to hook-and-line injury and were otherwise clinically healthy. There were three or four projections available for each study: dorsoventral (DV), rostrocaudal (RoCd), and left and/or right lateral. The DV and RoCd were most conducive for assessing global lung volume and symmetry of lung volume. The DV and lateral views were most helpful for evaluating the main bronchus and its branching channels and for assessing lung margination. The RoCd view was most useful for assessing the symmetry of the lung opacity. The lateral views were most helpful for assessing the ventral margin of each lung lobe. On the lateral view, the main bronchus lay ventrally and coursed horizontally through the lung from cranial to caudal. On the DV view, the bronchus lay medially and was observed to be curvilinear coursing caudomedially. On the RoCd view, the main bronchus was located ventromedially. The RoCd view demonstrated the channels and niches end-on resulting in a reticulated or honeycomb appearance. The channels were seen as uniform striations coursing perpendicular to the main bronchus on the lateral views (vertical striations coursing dorsal to ventral) and DV views (horizontal striations coursing medially to laterally).

Microbial composition of carapace, feces, and water column in captive juvenile green sea turtles with carapacial ulcers.

Green sea turtles are endangered marine reptiles. Carapacial ulcers will develop on juvenile green sea turtles during artificial rescue, seriously affecting their health and potentially leading to death. To determine the pathogens causing ulcerative carapacial disease, we performed 16S and ITS high-throughput sequencing, and microbial diversity analysis on samples from carapacial ulcers, healthy carapaces, feces, and seawater of juvenile green sea turtles. Our analysis showed that changes in microbial diversity of green sea turtle feces and seawater were not significantly associated with ulcerative carapacial disease. Psychrobacter sp. is the dominant species in the carapacial ulcers of green sea turtles. The bacterium is present in both healthy turtles and seawater where carapacial ulcers did not occur and decreasing seawater temperatures are likely responsible for the infection of juvenile green turtles with Psychrobacter sp. This is the first study on carapacial ulcers in captive juvenile green sea turtles. Our research provides theoretical guidance for the prevention and control of carapacial ulcers in captive juvenile green sea turtles.

Comparative electrocardiographic study of the Asian freshwater box turtle Cuora flavomarginata and the Asian yellow pond turtle Mauremys mutica using non-invasive methods.

Evaluation of cardiac function is an integral part of clinical examination of chelonians. However, information about electrocardiography (ECG) in turtles and tortoises is limited and fragmentary. Its application is limited due to the lack of ECG reference values. This study aimed to compare specific ECG parameters using non-invasive methods in the Asian box turtle Cuora flavomarginata (CF) and the Asian yellow pond turtle Mauremys mutica (MM). We included 116 clinically healthy and conscious turtles. Two non-invasive methods, using adhesive patches or crocodile clips, for ECG were applied where possible. The ambient temperature was within the preferred optimum temperature zone of both species. We used specific digital ECG monitoring equipment to record the ECG data and analysed the data using specific software. The MM group showed better ECG quality and lower heart rate than the CF group. Comparing both methods, the adhesive patches method yielded higher ECG quality in the CF group, while the crocodile clips method yielded higher ECG quality in the MM group. The study population was selected as presumed healthy turtles; the presence of systemic or cardiac disease could not be excluded completely due to limited investigation. Both ECG methods were clinically potentially useful for obtaining ECG parameters; the ECG quality was influenced by the method used.

Paresis as a limiting factor in the reproductive efficiency of a nesting colony of Lepidochelys olivacea (Eschscholtz, 1829) in La Escobilla beach, Oaxaca, Mexico

Rear flippers are crucial in the nesting process of Olive Ridley Turtles Lepidochelys olivacea, so any impact on them could constitute a limiting factor in reproductive efficiency. Muscle weakness of the rear legs has been observed in some nesting females on La Escobilla beach in Oaxaca state, Mexico; however, this disorder has not been sufficiently researched. The aim of this study was to identify and describe this problem in a nesting colony of L. olivacea in La Escobilla. We obtained the biochemical profiles of eight females with clinical signs of muscle weakness of the rear legs, that could not build the incubation chamber for their nest. In order to compare their blood characteristics, we selected eight seemingly healthy turtles that successfully built their nests, laid eggs through oviposition and covered the nest. We found no significant differences in most of the blood parameters, except for Creatinine-Kinase (CK). Female turtles with muscle weakness presented significantly higher concentrations of CK (t = 2.1448, d.f. = 2, P &lt;0.0001) when compared to the healthy turtles. CK is an appropriate enzyme for identifying the integrity of the muscle cell and is a muscle damage indicator. Our hypothesis is that the paresis observed in the rear legs of the female turtles in La Escobilla could be a chronic debilitation caused by a gradual exposure to biotoxins such as saxitoxins.

Differences in the morphological body condition index of sea turtles between species and size classes

AbstractThe body condition of animals is an important indicator of their habitats and the effects of anthropogenic activities and pollution. Body condition indices calculated from morphometric measurements have been widely employed as they are easy to use and inexpensive. In sea turtles, Fulton's condition index, calculated as the bodyweight divided by the cube of straight carapace length (SCL), has been commonly used and it has been proposed that an index of ≥1.2 indicates a good body condition. However, comparing Fulton's condition index between different species and size classes is problematic as it does not consider the mass-length relationship. In this study, we conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate the differences between sea turtles. A literature review indicated that most studies reported the SCL-based Fulton's condition index for green turtles (Chelonia mydas), followed by loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) and hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata). Therefore, we compared the values reported for healthy turtles of these three species. Meta-analysis supported the adequacy of 1.2 as a threshold in juvenile and adult green turtles and large juvenile and adult loggerhead turtles. High Fulton's condition index values were found for hatchlings and post-hatchlings of all three species and small loggerhead turtle juveniles. Low Fulton's condition index values were found for hawksbill turtles, particularly small juveniles. The differences in the Fulton's condition index between species and size classes indicated that it should be used carefully as a threshold for health condition evaluation.

Mercury bioaccumulation, genotoxic and biochemical biomarkers reveal the health status of yellow-spotted Amazon River turtles (Podocnemis unifilis) in an environmental protection area in the Amazon

ABSTRACT Chelonians are considered good bioindicators of environmental quality. The assessment of the health status of chelonian populations in the Amazon is important because they are traditionally consumed in large numbers in riverine communities and sustainable use reserves. The present study aimed to evaluate the health of Podocnemis unifilis (Testudines, Podocnemididae) in an environmental protection area in the Amazon region in Brazil. We analyzed the biomarkers lipoperoxidation, carbonylation of proteins, occurrence of micronuclei and erythrocytic nuclear abnormalities, quantified metallothioneins, and evaluated mercury bioaccumulation. We generated pioneering data regarding biomarkers in wild Amazonian freshwater turtles. All biomarker responses did not vary significantly between the sexes. The occurrence of oxidative and genotoxic damage, as well as concentrations of metallothioneins was low compared to other studies. In addition, the bioaccumulation of mercury in the muscle of the animals was below the limit recommended for human consumption by the World Health Organization. Our results provide baseline data on mercury bioaccumulation and biomarker responses that can be useful for future comparisons with other freshwater turtles. The data also provide evidence that the sustainable exploitation of these turtles in the study area (Piagaçu-Purus Sustainable Development Reserve) does not pose a risk to local riverine communities, as the detected mercury concentrations are safe for human consumption. In this sense, our results highlight the importance of protected areas for the conservation of healthy turtle populations, at the same time ensuring the health of the human populations that use them as a food resource.

Sick of attention: The effect of a stress‐related disease on juvenile green sea turtle behaviour in the face of intense and prolonged tourism

Abstract Anthropogenic activities are increasingly linked to emerging diseases that cause mortality across many taxa. Human interference arising from ecotourism, in particular, can increase the stress levels of wild populations and promote the spread of disease. In Akumal Bay, Mexico, green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) are increasingly infected with fibropapillomatosis (FP), an infectious disease associated with stress‐induced immunosuppression linked to high human density, which is particularly high in this area because of the increasing number of tourists visiting all year round. To examine whether FP might be associated with behavioural indicators of stress and varying levels of tourist pressure, the behaviour of turtles and the number of tourists were observed through 20‐minute focal sampling periods from May to August 2017. Disease presence and tourist pressure were related to several aspects of turtle behaviour, specifically feeding, resting, vertical movements (i.e. surfacing and diving), and evasive responses. Turtles that had visible FP engaged in fewer feeding periods, vertical movements, and evasive responses. Additionally, with increasing tourist pressure, all turtles spent less time engaging in vertical movements and had more evasive responses. These results suggest that the presence of FP affects green sea turtle behaviour, potentially increasing their exposure to tourists. Sick and healthy turtles appear to react differently to tourists, suggesting that FP changes behavioural responses to tourist pressure. Future management strategies should consider regulating tourist pressure on sick animals to reduce the incidence and progression of FP and other wildlife diseases by limiting access to critical habitats and enforcing code‐of‐conduct compliance from visiting tourists.

EDUCATION ON HANDLING GREEN TURTLE (Chelonia mydas) INJURED DUE TO ILLEGAL ARREST OF COMMUNITY PERSONS IN SUPRAU VILLAGE

The number of turtle populations from year to year has decreased. One of the causes is the arrests made by the community for consumption purposes. On April 29, 2021, a green turtle was eaten by the Directorate of Polair, Sorong City, with an injured condition that will be used as food for consumption. The purpose of this activity is to educate the public on the handling of injured turtles and socialize related to turtle conservation. The method of turtle handling activities is direct daily care with medication and turtle feeding programs, while socialization activities are carried out with mini workshops attended by representatives of the Marine and Fisheries Resources Supervisor, Sorong Marine and Fisheries Polytechnic, Directorate of Polair Sorong City, West Papua Natural Resources Conservation Center, Sorong District Court, Sailing Science Education and Training Center, Sorong City Fisheries Service, Papua Turtle Foundation, Conservation International (CI) and Nusantara Nature Conservation Foundation and public figure. The results of the activities for handling injured turtles, healthy turtles returned with dry wounds so that the turtles could be released into the wild. The socialization activity went smoothly with increasing understanding regarding the importance of turtle conservation by the community by signing a Memorandum of Understanding related to turtle conservation.

First Evidence of Chelonid Herpesvirus 5 (ChHV5) Infection in Green Turtles (Chelonia mydas) from Sabah, Borneo.

Fibropapillomatosis (FP) of sea turtles is characterised by cutaneous tumours and is associated with Chelonid herpesvirus 5 (ChHV5), an alphaherpesvirus from the family Herpesviridae. Here, we provide the first evidence of ChHV5-associated FP in endangered Green turtles (Chelonia mydas) from Sabah, which is located at the northern region of Malaysian Borneo. The aims of our study were firstly, to determine the presence of ChHV5 in both tumour exhibiting and tumour-free turtles using molecular techniques and secondly, to determine the phylogeography of ChHV5 in Sabah. We also aim to provide evidence of ChHV5 infection through histopathological examinations. A total of 115 Green turtles were sampled from Mabul Island, Sabah. We observed three Green turtles that exhibited FP tumours and were positive for ChHV5. In addition, six clinically healthy turtles (with no presence of tumours) were also positive for the virus based on Polymerase Chain Reaction of three viral genes (Capsid protein gene UL18, Glycoprotein H gene UL22, and Glycoprotein B gene UL27). The prevalence of the ChHV5 was 5.22% in asymptomatic Green turtles. Epidermal intranuclear inclusions were identified in tumour lesions upon histopathological examination. In addition, phylogenetic analyses of the UL18, UL22, UL27, and UL30 gene sequences showed a worldwide distribution of the ChHV5 strain with no clear distinction based on geographical location suggesting an interoceanic connection and movement of the sea turtles. Thus, the emergence of ChHV5 in Green turtles in the waters of Sabah could indicate a possible threat to sea turtle populations in the future and requires further monitoring of the populations along the Bornean coast.