Marine Wildlife Veterinary Medicine & Research
Current Projects
- Evaluating stranded bottlenose dolphins for herpesvirus and Brucella spp. infections using molecular diagnostics
- Identification and development of bioindicators of cardiomyopathy in pygmy and dwarf sperm whales
- Investigating transmission routes and pathophysiology of chelonid herpesvirus 5 in Florida green turtles
- Evaluating the effects of anthropogenic endocrine disruptors on leatherback sea turtle immune function and reproductive success
- Investigating prevalence of subclinical chelonid herpesvirus 5 carriers in Florida and North Carolina sea turtles
- Evaluating the relationship between chelonid herpesvirus 5 variant, fibropapilloma tumor morphology, and host species
- Developing predictive indices for rehabilitating turtles with fibropapillomatosis
This research is supported by funding from: Protect Wild Dolphins, Protect Florida Whales and Save Our Seas specialty license plates (granted through the Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute Foundation), the Florida Sea Turtle license plate, the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians Wild Animal Health Fund and the North Carolina Aquarium Society.
