Gruesome Facial Tumor Disease Threatens Taz with Extinction

Written by Derek Markham

The disease referred to as “a contagious cancer”, Devil Facial Tumor Disease, is decimating the population of Tasmanian Devils, leading experts to predict the extinction of the species in as little as 20 years.

Tasmanian devils have now been put on the Tasmanian endangered species list due to the decimation of the population by up to 70% in recent years.

“The numbers have declined by at least 60 per cent statewide in the past 10 years and there’s a projected further decrease as significant, if not worse. The announcement doesn’t materially change what the program has been doing, but it emphasizes the importance of continuing the program and continuing to provide resources to the program. The endangered listing also increases awareness in the general public of how serious the problem is and the real threat of extinction.” Professor McCallum, Devil Facial Tumour Disease program senior scientist

The cause of the die-off is Devil Facial Tumor Disease (DFTD), a disease detected 13 years ago, which is a fatal condition in Tasmanian devils, characterized by cancers around the mouth and head. The animals generally only live for about three months after contracting the disease.

The tumors are first seen in and around the mouth as small lesions, which develop into large tumors around the face and neck. The disease is extremely unusual, as it is only one of three recorded cancers which spreads like a contagious disease. The disease is passed between the animals through biting. It affects mainly adults, usually the males first, and infected devils may become emaciated if the tumors interfere with teeth and feeding.

Professor McCallum said that predicting the extinction of a species is difficult, but “if things go the way they are, we may see extinction in the next 20-40 years in the wild”.

A new test to identify animals with the disease before they display symptoms is hoped to be used in the next six months. Scientists could use the test to help quarantine ‘insurance’ populations and to remove infected devils before they spread the disease.

Last month, a devil being held in captivity at Trowunna Wildlife Park in northern Tasmania was found to be infected, leading to fears of the loss of captive ‘insurance’ populations. It was the second outbreak of DFTD in the park.

The Australian Government has committed $10 million over five years to the Save the Tasmanian Devil Program.

[Via The Mercury]

Image: Menna Jones, published in PLoS under CC License