Marine Wildlife Veterinary Medicine & Research

Current Projects

vet met current projects collage

  • 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.

Additional Information
Florida Atlantic's Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute engages with the community through the Ocean Discovery Visitors Center and the Ocean Science Lecture Series. Harbor Branch’s research and outreach programs translate marine science in order to provide solutions that improve economies and quality of life for coastal communities.
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Address
Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute
Florida Atlantic University
5600 US 1 North
Fort Pierce, FL 34946