Exotic Animal Health Management - Marine Mammal Medicine

Flashcards created for review of key concepts regarding the health management of marine mammals and associated diseases in crustaceans and turtles.

What is the major consequence of epizootic shell disease in lobsters?

It causes lesions that make lobsters unmarketable and can lead to their death.

What are the symptoms of gaffkemia caused by Aerococcus viridans?

Symptoms include discolored exoskeletons, lethargy, pink hemolymph, and coagulopathies.

Which virus is known to specifically infect Caribbean spiny lobster?

Panulirus argus Virus 1 (PaV1).

What does fibropapillomatosis affect in sea turtles?

It causes the growth of tumors on their skin.

What is a common external parasite found on sea turtles?

Leeches and various epibiota like barnacles and mollusks.

Identify a notable disease affecting lobsters linked to chitinolysis and necrosis.

Shell disease.

What leads to the lethargic behavior observed in lobsters infected with PaV1?

Their blood is unable to clot and appears milky.

What are the typical habitats where Hematodinium is found in crustaceans?

It can infect a broad host specificity of crustaceans, causing significant mortality.

How does water temperature affect gaffkemia outbreaks?

Higher temperatures lead to more rapid outbreaks and increased mortality.

What type of disease is White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV) associated with?

It primarily affects shrimp, with lobsters not being naturally affected.

What are common internal parasites found in sea turtles?

Flatworms and blood flukes.

What are the characteristics of tumors caused by fibropapillomatosis?

Tumors can be bulbous, varying in size and texture, and located externally or internally.

How does shell disease start in crustaceans?

It begins as small pits or erosions in the cuticle and progresses to larger lesions.

What are the economic implications of epizootic shell disease on lobster fisheries?

It can lead to significant economic losses due to unmarketable lobsters.

What symptom indicates the onset of turgid lobster syndrome?

Swelling of thin arthrodial membranes between tergites due to fluid pressure.