The current status of sea turtle health in the Indian Ocean is largely unknown, especially for the flatback turtle (Natator depressus). Anecdotally, causes of morbidity and mortality in Western Australian turtles are comparable to those in other parts of Australia and the world (e.g., spirorchiidiasis, fibropapillomatosis and marine debris interaction) but scientific studies to validate these reports are particularly limited in this region. To address these knowledge gaps, causes of sea turtle strandings in Western Australia were investigated through various veterinary diagnostics such as necropsy, histopathology and parasitology. This led to the discovery of multiple emerging diseases including the zoonotic bacterium Streptococcus iniae associated with a mass mortality event, Haemocystidium haemoparasites and spirorchiidiasis (identified in flatbacks for the first time). Health and disease baselines were also developed through health assessment of wild turtle populations, and the first blood reference intervals were developed for nesting and foraging flatback turtles.
Health is integral to normal animal function. Without health baselines, we cannot monitor trends, identify new and emerging diseases or accurately assess the true health status of a population. Further, as indicators of environmental health, collection of important marine megafauna health data can assist sea country managers with future conservation management decisions.