Researchers from the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine cataloged 19 viruses in Atlantic and Pacific sea turtles through genetic sequencing, including seven novel viruses and a completely new virus family.

The study emphasizes that not all discovered viruses cause disease, but mapping them creates a baseline to monitor which viruses may threaten endangered sea turtle populations.

Five of the seven sea turtle species are threatened or endangered, underscoring the need for rapid, informed responses to emerging viral threats.

The work is led by scientists from the University of Georgia’s College of Veterinary Medicine.

Viral discovery turns unknown unknowns into known unknowns, enabling targeted future study and quicker outbreak responses, according to the study's corresponding author.

Dr. James Stanton notes that viral discovery helps transform unknowns into targets for further research and potential disease prevention.

Fibropapillomatosis, a tumor-forming disease linked to a herpesvirus first identified in green turtles in the 1930s, is highlighted as a precedent for the importance of viral surveillance in turtle health.

Historically, viral infections in sea turtles have been observed but difficult to link causally without a comprehensive view of circulating viruses; this study aims to fill that gap.

Several identified viruses are genetically related to pathogens that infect aquatic invertebrates and fish, indicating potential cross-species or environmental connections.

Some of the newly identified viruses are related to pathogens that affect aquatic invertebrates and fish, broadening conservation concerns beyond classic threats like pollution and habitat loss.

One discovered virus family is new to science, and several others are related to pathogens known to affect fish and aquatic invertebrates.