The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the University of Florida are collaborating to investigate a mysterious virus that has killed hundreds of soft-shell turtles and peninsula cooters. Funding for this study comes from the sale of Florida’s ‘Conserve Wildlife’ license plates.
Researchers aim to raise $30,000 from the license plate sales to develop a molecular test for the virus, known as Virus X. This test will measure viral concentration in different turtle organs, such as the heart or liver, providing deeper insights than current tests that only detect the virus’s presence. The grant was applied for by commission veterinarian Lisa Shender. Andrew Walker, CEO of the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida, expressed concern over the recent freshwater turtle deaths in the St. Johns River, emphasizing the turtles’ ecological importance. The funding from license plate sales will support the research for 18 months, after which the need for additional funding will be assessed.
