WILLEMSTAD - Last weekend was the first time a sea turtle was released that has recovered from the deadly virus Fibropapillomatosis. According to Sea Turtle Conservation Curaçao, STCC, that virus currently poses the greatest threat to the sea turtle population.
The 65-centimeter-long Green Turtle has number #2206 and is the first to be treated after a tumor. The turtle was found on June 27 near Caracas Bay and had multiple tumors all over her body.
Virus
Fibropapillomatosis is a neoplastic tumor-forming disease in sea turtles and causes tumors on the head, eyes and other soft tissues on the animal such as the flippers, tail, armpits and cloaca as well as internal organs.
The cause is not yet clear, but it is suspected that a higher prevalence occurs in places where many human activities take place. The stress factors that are caused in the environment of the animal cause a weaker immune system, making the animal much more susceptible to the herpes virus.
Veterinarian Odette Doest successfully operated and treated the found turtle. At this point, she is strong and healthy again and is released back into the ocean.
Face recognition
Currently, Caracas Bay is the best-monitored area of Curaçao by STCC. People regularly go into the water to take pictures of the sea turtles that swim there.
These are sent to STCC. The foundation maintains a database with photos in which they can follow or discover turtles. The turtles can be recognized by means of facial recognition.
The pattern of the head is as unique as a human fingerprint. By doing this over the years, a picture can be formed of the developmental stages of the Fibropapillomatosis virus.
Currently, 23 turtles are already being followed using this system.