Green sea turtle population hit by 'grotesque' illness, Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital flooded with cases

Mystery disease discovered eating away at turtle shells (Jake Kearnan)

A mystery disease is affecting green sea turtles off southern Queensland, with a major wildlife hospital warning it has treated almost 80 in the past 12 months.

Some turtles being brought to the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital have open wounds so severe that veterinary teams can see bone underneath.