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MIAMI
(AP) - Dozens of endangered sea turtles have been found
near-death, stricken with a mysterious virus that leaves
them unable to eat or blink and may be linked to herpes,
researchers say.
In
the past six weeks, 11 loggerheads have been brought into
the Turtle Hospital in Marathon. Four other turtles with
similar symptoms have been rescued outside the Florida Keys,
and dozens of infected, floating turtles have been spotted
by boaters but left for dead, said Richie Moretti, director
of the Marathon hospital.
Two
of the 11 loggerheads brought to Moretti have died so far,
he said. Researchers are treating about 25 sick turtles,
found from Sarasota to Juno Beach to the Keys.
At the
hospital, the turtles are force-fed a "squid milkshake,"
a mixture of Gatorade and liquefied squid. Most lie motionless
beneath heat lamps making gasping noises symptomatic of
the pneumonia-induced mucus blocking their airways.
Moretti,
who opened the clinic 14 years ago, said he's never seen
anything like it. The ill reptiles were all healthy, full-sized
adult females before contracting the virus. Scientists believe
the onset was sudden.
Research
performed by scientists at the University of Florida indicates
the turtles may have a strain of the herpes virus attacking
their respiratory tracts and lungs. Post-mortem test results
are expected next week.
The
deadly disease actually helps keep the turtles alive for
a time, Moretti said. It makes the turtles too weak to swim
but the pneumonia causes a foam to develop in their lungs
that keeps them buoyant.
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