Tasmanian Devil Cancer

Information on Devil Facial Tumor Disease

Tasmanian Devil cancer or Devil Facial Tumor Disease (DFTD) is the most serious plight that the Tasmanian Devil population has ever faced. It has been estimated that Devil Facial Tumor Disease has wiped out between 20 to 50 % of the native Tasmanian Devil population in Tasmania. It causes lesions or tumors to grow most commonly around the devil's mouth and face. These tumors continue to grow in size until it is impossible for the devil to eat and affected devils usually die from starvation. After infection, most devils die within 6 to 12 months.

Devil Facial Tumor Disease

Devil Facial Tumor Disease (DFTD) is an aggressive non-viral, transmittable, parasitic cancer. This is only the second transmissable cancer to ever be discovered, the first being canine transmissible venereal tumour (CTVT) which is spread in dogs through sexual activity and was discovered about 100 years ago.

DFTD has been found to be a neuroendocrine tumour that is spread through direct contact between devils. It is spread through activities such as feeding off the same carcass, fighting and mating with each other. The cancer is thought to be directly spread, most likely through cuts and scratches on the devil's skin. Recent research has shown that there are at least nine different strains of the cancer, and that it may be becoming more virulent.

tasmanian devil tumor disease
Devil Facial Tumor Disease

Tasmanian Devil Disease

This devastating Tasmanian Devil disease is estimated to have spread over more than 60% of the state with 83% of captured devils exhibiting signs of the disease. DTFD is currently actively being monitored and ways to restrict the spread of the disease across the rest of Tasmania are currently being implemented. Thankfully at the moment the devil populations in the south western side of Tasmania do not appear to have been affected by Tasmanian Devil Cancer.

The Tasmanian government has set up the "Save the Tasmanian Devil Program" to carry out research and prevention of this devastating disease. A captive breeding insurance program has also been set up on the mainland of Australia to ensure that there is a protected population of devils that are not at risk of contracting the disease. Ongoing research is being carried out to try and develop a vaccine for the remaining wild Tasmanian Devils.

If you would like to donate to the "Save the Tasmanian Devil Program" please click here.

Find out more about the Tasmanian Devil here