Ozobranchus margoi Infections in Loggerhead Turtles (Caretta caretta) in Greece and Potential Treatment Options

Two injured loggerhead turtles, Caretta caretta, were presented to the public aquarium in Crete, infested by the parasitic marine leech, Ozobranchus margoi. This report describes these 2 loggerhead turtles and parasitic marine leeches along with the results of various treatment trials. Iodine ointment was the most efficient treatment against all life stages of O. margoi, taking into account animal welfare, ease of application, and efficacy. Monitoring the occurrence of parasitic leeches is important, as apart from the direct clinical affects to the host animal, they have been reported as vectors of threatening viral diseases.