Sea turtles with potentially deadly herpes lesions on the rise on Great Barrier Reef

Cases of a debilitating disease that results in lesions on sea turtles off north Queensland are rising, with a researcher suspecting a link between the disease and the health of the Great Barrier Reef.

The disease, called fibropapillomatosis (FP), is caused by the herpes virus and results in lesions on the turtle's body.

The disease has been found across the world and more recently in places like Townsville.

James Cook University researcher Karina Jones has been studying the disease in turtles found near Magnetic Island off Townsville.

Read more...http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-06-25/sea-turtles-found-with-lesions-on-great-barrier-reef/7391126