White pox disease

[2] At the locations where white pox disease has been observed, it is estimated to have reduced the living tissue in elkhorn corals by 50–80%.

[3] In the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary (FKNMS), the losses of living coral are estimated to average around 88%.

[5] The pathogen responsible is believed to be Serratia marcescens, a common intestinal bacterium found in humans and other animals.

[7] The specific source of the bacteria that is killing the coral is currently unknown.

[7] Research is needed to find and confirm the exact source(s) of the pathogen, possible sources include sewage treatment plant effluent, marine fish feces and seabird guano.