In an attempt to identify critical health issues affecting the survival of endangered leatherback sea turtles (Dermochelys coriacea), a prospective study was conducted in several dead-in-nest hatchlings and captive posthatchlings to examine pathologic changes and presence of pathogenic microorganisms. Numerous histopathologic changes were identified. Although bacterial etiologies were suspected in deaths of captive individuals, a single causative organism was not identified but rather, a mixed population of bacterial flora was cultured. Muscle degeneration observed in most samples implicates a potential environmental factor in species survival and needs future investigation.
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1 October 2009
PATHOLOGIC FINDINGS IN HATCHLING AND POSTHATCHLING LEATHERBACK SEA TURTLES (DERMOCHELYS CORIACEA) FROM FLORIDA
Debra L. Miller,
Jeanette Wyneken,
Sreekumari Rajeev,
Justin Perrault,
Douglas R. Mader,
James Weege,
Charles A. Baldwin
Journal of Wildlife Diseases
Vol. 45 • No. 4
October 2009
Vol. 45 • No. 4
October 2009
Dermochelys coriacea
hatchling
histopathology
leatherback sea turtle
posthatchling