Description
Date: May 29, 2024
Location: Bay County, Fl
Circumstances: Floating/Struggling
“Sea Pork”, a sub-adult green sea turtle, was found struggling at the surface of the water south of the Panama City Marina.
This turtle had a heavy load of epibiota which are biological organisms like barnacles, sea squirts, crabs, worms, etc., and suffered from buoyancy control issues, and was listing at the surface. Sea Pork also had evidence of blunt force trauma on the carapace that had some bone exposure.
He/she also has fibropapillomatosis “FP”, an infectious herpes type virus. “FP” has been found in all seven species of sea turtles, but is found most commonly in greens. Tumors may form but can sometimes be removed depending on the severity and location.
Sea Pork’s beautiful carapace is starting to reveal itself! After epibiota removal, he/she is currently receiving fluids, antibiotics and vitamins and is undergoing wound treatment with honey and silver to encourage healing. Sea Pork has a healthy appetite and enjoys snacking on capelin and herring fish.
