Devil facial tumour disease

Tasmanian Devil Facial Tumour Disease

Devil Facial Tumour Disease (DFTD) is a fatal condition that affects the Tasmanian devil, a carnivorous marsupial native to Tasmania, Australia. First observed in 1996, DFTD is characterized by the appearance of tumors, primarily around the face and mouth of the affected animal. These tumors can lead to difficulty in feeding, eventually causing starvation. The disease is highly contagious among Tasmanian devils, primarily transmitted through biting, a common behavior in their social interactions.

Causes and Transmission

DFTD is caused by a transmissible cancer, which is unusual among cancers because it spreads like an infectious disease. The cancer cells themselves are the infectious agents, and when they are transferred from one animal to another, they continue to grow and form tumors in the new host. Genetic studies have shown that the cancer cells are clonal, meaning they originated from a single cell line and have spread among the Tasmanian devil population.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

The most visible symptoms of DFTD are the large facial tumors that can also appear inside the mouth, interfering with feeding and leading to starvation. Other symptoms may include changes in behavior, such as increased aggression, and a deterioration in the general condition of the animal. Diagnosis is typically confirmed through biopsy and histopathology, examining the tumor cells under a microscope.

Impact on Population

DFTD has had a devastating impact on the Tasmanian devil population, with estimates suggesting a decline of up to 80% in some areas. This significant decrease has led to the Tasmanian devil being listed as an endangered species. The rapid spread and high mortality rate of DFTD pose a significant threat to the survival of this species in the wild.

Conservation Efforts

In response to the threat posed by DFTD, various conservation strategies have been implemented. These include the establishment of disease-free populations on islands and in captivity, vaccination research, and management strategies to reduce the spread of the disease within wild populations. The Save the Tasmanian Devil Program is a government initiative focused on the conservation of the Tasmanian devil, which coordinates these efforts.

Research and Future Directions

Research into DFTD includes studies on the genetic and immunological aspects of the disease, with the aim of developing a vaccine or other treatments to protect the Tasmanian devil from this cancer. There is also interest in understanding how the disease spreads and evolves, which is critical for managing the disease in the wild and for the long-term conservation of the species.

See Also

• Tasmanian devil
• Wildlife disease
• Conservation biology
• Infectious cancer