Mystery virus harming turtles in St. Johns River

The St. Johns River is right down the road for Dante Veale’s home.

She said it’s one of the things she enjoys most about living in Palatka.

“I saw the river and the homes and I just thought it was a beautiful historic area. I feel very lucky and blessed to be here," Veale said.

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On Tuesday, she said she’s only seen one freshwater turtle since moving in a year ago.

“We do walk down there on a regular basis a couple times a week. So, yeah, I guess I would be surprised not to see a little more than I do,” she said.

Scientists with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission are investigating what’s causing the deaths of hundreds of turtles in the St. Johns River, from Palm Bay to Crescent Lake and Palatka.

Biologists said they’ve received 300 reports of sick or dead soft shell turtles and cooters since March 2018.

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Winston Fletcher, the city of Palatka’s cultural resource coordinator said, “Seeing our wildlife healthy is one of our biggest assets that we have.”

Biologists who have studied some of the affected turtles believe a viral infection could be causing the deaths.

They’re asking for the community’s help in gathering more information.

Fletcher said, “We want all the animals to be healthy in their natural habitat and we want to do everything we can to preserve their life.”

“It is concerning because they’re all part of our ecosystem,” Veale said.

• Report sightings of sick or dead turtles to the FWC by calling: 352-339-8597 or using the FWC Reporter App. Photos can be uploaded via the Reporter App and will aid researchers in identifying turtles' species and conditions.
• Do not touch or attempt to move sick turtles.
• To avoid spreading the virus, do not capture, transport or release freshwater turtles, even those that appear healthy, to new locations.
• Do not eat turtles that appear sick or unhealthy.

Cox Media Group