Blood flukes (Spirorchiidae) as a major cause of marine turtle mortality in Queensland

摘要

The major causes of morbidity and mortality in green turtles (Chelonia mydas) from southern Queensland in the period 2006-2009 were determined by comprehensive post mortem examination of 100 individuals. Infection by blood flukes (Family Spirorchiidae) was found to be the most frequent contributor to mortality (41.8%), followed by gastrointestinal impaction (11.8%), microbial infection (5.2%), and trauma (5.2%). Histological examination revealed adult spirorchiids and/or their eggs in 88% (53/60) of examined spleens, 84% (47/56) of brains, 55% (36/66) of gastrointestinal tracts, and 54% (37/69) of heart samples. Severity of infection was greatest in the brain when compared to the other organs and was frequently the primary cause of death. Cases of spirorchiid infection were more frequent in summer than in other seasons and more likely to be diagnosed in immature turtles. At least four species of spirorchiids were encountered in turtles from Queensland.