Mote Marine Aquarium's Red Tide Study Helps with Sea Turtle and Sea Bird Treatment
By Matt J. Weiss, February 27, 2009 @ 02:00 AM (EST)
Source: Zandavisitor.com
An ongoing Mote study funded by the Morris Animal Foundation about the effects of red tide on sea birds and sea turtles has uncovered new information that should lead to more refined treatment for animals exposed to Florida’s red tide.
Karenia brevis, the organism that causes Florida’s red tide, produces brevetoxins that affect humans and marine species, including sea turtles, dolphins, fish, manatees and sea birds. The brevetoxins can cause acute respiratory and neurological symptoms, as well as death, when they are inhaled or ingested. Clinical signs of red tide intoxication include swimming in circles, paralysis and seizures.
All species of sea turtles in U.S. waters, and many sea bird species, are listed as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act. Understanding the risks to populations is vital to their recovery.
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