Fibropapillomatosis Prevalence and Distribution in Immature Green Turtles (Chelonia mydas) in Martinique Island (Lesser Antilles)

Fibropapillomatosis (FP) threatens the survival of green turtle (Chelonia mydas) populations at a global scale, and human activities are regularly pointed as causes of high FP prevalence. However, the association of ecological factors with the disease’s severity in complex coastal systems has not been well established and requires further studies. Based on a set of 405 individuals caught over ten years, this preliminary study provides the first insight of FP in Martinique Island, which is a critical development area for immature green turtles. Our main results are: (i) 12.8% of the individuals were affected by FP, (ii) FP has different prevalence and temporal evolution between very close sites, (iii) green turtles are more frequently affected on the upper body part such as eyes (41.4%), fore flippers (21.9%), and the neck (9.4%), and (iv) high densities of individuals are observed on restricted areas. We hypothesise that turtle’s aggregation enhances horizontal transmission of the disease. FP could represent a risk for immature green turtles’ survival in the French West Indies, a critical development area, which replenishes the entire Atlantic population. Continuing scientific monitoring is required to identify which factors are implicated in this panzootic disease and ensure the conservation of the green turtle at an international scale.

Keyword(s)

marine turtles, infectious disease, epizootiology, environmental quality

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Roost Thibaut, Schies Jo-Ann, Girondot Marc, Robin Jean-Patrice, Lelong Pierre, Martin Jordan, Siegwalt Flora, Jeantet Lorène, Giraudeau Mathieu, Le Loch Guillaume, Bejarano Manola, Bonola Marc, Benhalilou Abdelwahab, Murgale Céline, Andreani Lucas, Jacaria François, Campistron Guilhem, Lathière Anthony, Martial François, Hielard Gaëlle, Arqué Alexandre, Régis Sidney, Lecerf Nicolas, Frouin Cédric, Lefebvre Fabien, Aubert Nathalie, Flora Frédéric, Pimentel Esteban, Lafolle Rachelle, Thobor Florence, Arthus Mosiah, Etienne Denis, Lecerf Nathaël, Allenou Jean-Pierre, Desigaux Florian, Larcher Eugène, Larcher Christian, Lo Curto Alberto, Befort Joanne, Maceno-Panevel Myriane, Lepori Muriel, Chevallier Pascale, Chevallier Tao, Meslier Stéphane, Landreau Anthony, Habold Caroline, Le Maho Yvon, Chevallier Damien (2022). Fibropapillomatosis Prevalence and Distribution in Immature Green Turtles (Chelonia mydas) in Martinique Island (Lesser Antilles). Ecohealth. 19 (2). 190-202. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10393-022-01601-y, https://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00775/88705/

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