These turtles have a turtle-specific
herpes virus that causes
fibropapillomatosis – a condition in which disfiguring tumors grow on the eyes, flippers, tail, shell or internal organs.
Many researchers believe human pollution is to blame.Pollution may weaken their immune systems, thus rendering them more susceptible to disease.
Turtles in healthy marine environments can still carry the virus, but it often lies dormant with no symptoms.
Turtle herpes outbreak hints at Great Barrier Reef contamination