Herpes Suspected in Turtle Illnesses

Dozens of endangered sea turtles have been found near death, stricken with a mysterious virus that leaves them unable to eat or blink and may be linked to herpes, researchers say. In the last six weeks, 11 loggerheads have been brought into the Turtle Hospital in Marathon, in the Florida Keys. Two of those animals died. Four other turtles with similar symptoms have been rescued outside the Keys, and dozens of infected, floating turtles have been spotted by boaters but left for dead, said Richie Moretti, director of the Marathon hospital. Researchers are treating about 25 sick turtles, found from Sarasota to Juno Beach to the Keys.