White band disease.

White band disease is a disease that affects stony coral species, including elkhorn coral and staghorn coral. The disease is characterized by the presence of a white band of dead tissue on the surface of the coral, which can spread and ultimately lead to the death of the coral. White band disease is caused by a combination of environmental stressors and pathogenic organisms, and it is believed to be transmitted through waterborne spores or by contact with infected coral. White band disease has had a significant impact on coral reefs in the Caribbean and the Western Atlantic, and it is considered a major threat to coral reefs in these regions. There is no known cure for white band disease, and efforts to manage the disease focus on reducing stressors and promoting coral resilience.