Fibropapillomatosis in Marine Iguanas
Fibropapillomatosis in marine iguanas is a disease that causes fleshy masses (benign tumors) to appear on the animal's skin, called fibropapillomas. These growths can develop on different parts of the body, particularly around the head, eye...
What is it?
Fibropapillomatosis in marine iguanas is a disease that causes fleshy masses (benign tumors) to appear on the animal's skin, called fibropapillomas. These growths can develop on different parts of the body, particularly around the head, eyes, neck, and limbs. This condition has been observed mainly in marine iguanas from the Galápagos Islands, an archipelago where this species lives exclusively in the wild. It remains a relatively rare but concerning disease for the conservation of this endemic and vulnerable species.
Commonly observed signs
These signs are neither exhaustive nor specific. Only a veterinarian can establish a diagnosis.
Related signs — each one links to its page:
The main sign is the appearance of fleshy, firm, and clearly visible masses on the skin, resembling warts or irregular growths. These masses may appear alone or in groups, and their size ranges from a few millimeters to several centimeters depending on the case. They are most often found around the eyes, mouth, neck, or on the limbs, which can, depending on their location, interfere with the animal's vision, feeding, or movement. In more severe cases, the animal may show signs of fatigue or weight loss if the tumors disrupt its ability to feed.
When to consult without delay
This list does not replace veterinary advice. It gathers situations that justify a prompt consultation.
Causes and risk factors
Fibropapillomatosis is associated with infection by a herpesvirus, though the exact role of this virus in tumor development is not fully understood by scientific research. This disease has been compared to a similar condition observed in sea turtles, also linked to a herpesvirus. Environmental factors and possible weakening of the animal's immune system could promote the appearance or worsening of lesions, but the precise mechanisms remain under investigation.
While the species as a whole is affected, certain factors could increase the risk of developing more severe lesions: a weakened immune system, significant environmental stress, or prolonged exposure to other iguanas carrying the virus.
Close contact between populations and direct interactions between individuals, particularly during breeding periods or in areas of high density on certain sites in the archipelago, may favor the spread of the suspected virus.
Transmission
The exact mode of transmission is not fully established. Direct contact between individuals is suspected as a possible route, by analogy with fibropapillomatosis in sea turtles. Transmission by biting insects or through the marine environment is not ruled out but remains hypothetical based on current knowledge.
Diagnosis and care
Diagnosis is the veterinarian's responsibility, based on clinical examination and laboratory tests. Care is decided case by case.
A veterinarian specializing in reptiles or wildlife examines the marine iguana's skin carefully, particularly around the eyes, mouth, neck, and limbs. The appearance of the masses (color, size, consistency) already provides strong indications.
To confirm the diagnosis, a tissue sample of the mass may be taken, followed by microscopic examination (histology). Additional laboratory tests at a specialized facility sometimes allow investigation of the virus responsible (suspected herpesvirus) using molecular biology techniques.
In wild populations, such as those in the Galápagos Islands where the marine iguana lives exclusively, diagnosis often relies on direct observation of typical lesions during population surveys, without invasive intervention.
Treatment
The main treatment, when feasible on a wild animal, is surgical removal of problematic masses, particularly those that interfere with vision or feeding.
Local care aimed at preventing secondary infections (bacterial superinfection of the wound) may be combined with antibiotic treatment if necessary.
No specific antiviral treatment validated against the suspected virus responsible for this disease in the marine iguana currently exists.
Given the protected and wild status of the marine iguana, any veterinary intervention is generally overseen by conservation and scientific research programs in the Galápagos.
Treatment depends on the cause and the animal's condition: it must be determined by a veterinarian. No self-medication.
Prevention
No specific means of prevention is currently known, as the transmission mechanisms of the suspected virus responsible are not fully understood.
Preserving the natural habitat of the Galápagos Islands, reducing stress linked to human activities, and monitoring the health of wild populations all contribute to the overall health of the species.
No vaccine exists for this disease in reptiles.
Possible complications
The tumors may grow progressively and interfere with the iguana's essential activities: feeding on marine algae, seeing its surroundings, moving across rocks, or swimming to reach feeding areas.
When masses are located near the eyes or mouth, they can cause significant discomfort and even prevent the animal from eating properly, leading to general weakness.
Secondary infection of the mass (bacterial superinfection) is possible if the skin covering the tumor ulcerates or becomes injured.
When to see a veterinarian
One or more fleshy masses appear on the iguana's skin, particularly near the eyes or mouth.
The mass grows rapidly or changes in appearance (color, consistency, bleeding).
The animal appears to have difficulty feeding, seeing, or moving normally.
Weight loss or unusual fatigue is noted alongside the skin lesions.
The mass shows a wound that does not heal or displays signs of infection (redness, discharge, odor).
Prognosis
The outlook depends greatly on the size, number, and location of the tumors. Small isolated masses located away from the eyes or mouth often allow the animal to continue living normally.
Large tumors or those in awkward locations can significantly reduce the marine iguana's quality of life and compromise its long-term survival in the wild, particularly if feeding becomes difficult.
Scientific knowledge about the long-term progression of this disease in marine iguanas remains limited due to the rarity of documented cases and the difficulties involved in studying a protected wild species.
Frequently asked questions
Is fibropapillomatosis of the marine iguana dangerous to humans?
No, there is currently no evidence that this disease can be transmitted to humans. It is specific to reptiles, particularly in this case to the marine iguana of the Galápagos.
Can tumors disappear on their own?
In some species with similar diseases (such as sea turtles), spontaneous regression of small tumors has occasionally been reported. In the marine iguana, data remain limited, but veterinary monitoring is still recommended to assess the progression of masses.
Can you keep a marine iguana as a pet?
No. The marine iguana is a protected species endemic to the Galápagos Islands, and its captive keeping is prohibited by Ecuadorian legislation and international wildlife protection conventions.
How is this disease monitored in nature?
Teams of researchers and veterinarians specializing in wildlife conduct regular monitoring of marine iguana populations on the Galápagos Islands, including observation of skin lesions, in order to better understand the progression of this still poorly documented disease.
References
WOAH — Organisation mondiale de la santé animale (ex-OIE)
Content reviewed by the TunisieVet editorial team · Updated 09 September 2026
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