UGA VetMed researcher catalogs viral diversity in vulnerable sea turtle populations

UGA VetMed researcher catalogs viral diversity in vulnerable sea turtle populations Groundbreaking study uses genetic sequencing to ID new viruses For decades, efforts to reverse the decline in sea turtle populations have focused on man-made impacts to their environment.

But new research from the University of Georgia has identified previously unknown viruses that may pose a risk to threatened and endangered turtles.

Although symptoms of viral infections have been noted in sea turtles in the past, diagnosing the exact cause of those symptoms was difficult.

Using genetic sequencing, scientists in UGA’s College of Veterinary Medicine have identified 19 viruses in the turtles, including seven novel ones.

The study could prove particularly valuable in the event of a future disease outbreak.

Without a baseline understanding of the viral communities present in sea turtles, researchers responding to an outbreak would have to search from scratch for a potential viral cause, said Dr.

Weerapong “Mac” Laovechprasit, lead author of the study and a resident in the college’s pathology department.

Establishing that foundation now could save scientists years of investigative work, a critical advantage when an emerging disease is affecting an already vulnerable population.

Weerapong “Mac” Laovechprasit, at right in photo above and in the lab below, tends to a stranded Hawksbill sea turtle in Rayong City, Thailand.

Laovechprasit is a marine veterinarian serving a residency in UGA VetMed’s Pathology Department.

(Provided photo) Laovechprasit previously discovered a virus strongly associated with fatal neurological disease in aquatic turtles.

The report adds to ongoing university-led research relevant to veterinary medicine, animal health, and clinical decision-making.

university website: University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine