Virus in Manatees Worries Researchers
From Times Staff and Wire Reports
For the first time, a viral infection has been found in manatees, causing some researchers to fear that the endangered sea mammal now has a new threat. The virus, diagnosed as a type of papillomavirus, has caused skin lesions on two manatees living in captivity in Florida. Other researchers say the virus may not be a new threat to manatees but rather a newly discovered one. Papillomavirus is found in other mammals, causing lesions that can interfere with the eyes, nose and genitals.
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