Confirmation of Chelonid Alphaherpesvirus 5 (Scutavirus chelonidalpha5) Associated with Fibropapillomatosis in Green and Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtles from Mississippi, USA

Journal of Wildlife Diseases 2026

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Authors: Sarah Rubelowsky, Justin M. Stilwell, Caroline M. Betbeze, Samantha M. Hughes, Debra Moore, Lyndsey N. Howell, Natalie K. Stilwell
DOI: 10.7589/jwd-d-24-00217
Cited by: 0
References: 8

Abstract

We diagnosed and molecularly confirmed the presence of fibropapillomatosis and chelonid alphaherpesvirus 5 infection in one Kemp's ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys kempii) and three green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) stranded on the Mississippi, USA, coast, expanding the known range of this disease in sea turtles in the Gulf of Mexico.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Turtle Biology and Conservation Viral-associated cancers and disorders Aquaculture disease management and microbiota

Publication details

Journal / source
Journal of Wildlife Diseases
Volume
62
Issue
1
Pages
260–263
Publication date
16 February 2026
Language
EN