Virome analysis to understand and manage emerging viral disease risks in sea turtles

Principal Investigator

Sea turtles are currently listed as vulnerable, endangered, critically endangered or data deficient depending on species. The threats are varied, but to a large degree due to anthropogenic impacts such as climate change, habitat loss, pollution, by catch in fishing trawls, disturbances by humans, dogs and introduced predators on nesting beaches. Apart from the direct impact of such factors, the stress likely also makes these species more susceptible to infectious agents, notably viral infections. Our knowledge of the virome of sea turtles is currently virtually non-existing. Hence, if we are to better manage the conservation of these iconic species, more knowledge about potential pathogenic viruses infecting sea turtles is critical.

04 Jan 2021 - 30 Jul 2023

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