Fibropapillomatosis in marine turtles

The article discusses the clinical and epidemiological aspects of fibropapillomatosis in marine turtles, a highly debilitating disease, characterized by the presence of multiple epithelial fibropapillomas and visceral fibromas. The etiologic agent of fibropapillomatosis is unclear, but it is possible that the disease occurs after virus infection, and its clinical manifestation is associated with the predisposing factors such as genetics; presence of parasites; environmental changes; wounds and stress. Epidemiological studies have been observing an increase in the incidence of this illness, which can be considered a risk for the preservation of some species of marine turtles. Key words: fibropapillomatosis, marine turtle, herpesvirus.