Latest News

Back to Latest News back

 

Healthy Tasmanian devils released to test contagious cancer vaccine

Healthy Tasmanian devils released to test contagious cancer vaccine
September 1, 2016

33 healthy Tasmanian devils have been released into the wild in Tasmania's north to trial a vaccine against a contagious cancer.

Researchers have been developing a vaccine against the devil facial tumour disease, which has wiped out more than 80% of the population since it emerged 20 years ago.

Released this week, the devils were immunised and are expected to interact with the wild, diseased population at the Stony Head military training area.

Save the Tasmanian Devil Program Manager Dr David Pemberton admitted it was a risk to mix healthy devils with the native population but said it was the next step.

Dr Pemberton told the ABC “the key thing here is to be very open and wise, to trying to learn how to maximise the survival of these animals in the wild and then their ability to breed.

"Ultimately, we need devils back in the bush in the numbers they used to be.

"It's worth the effort ... to build the numbers to try and develop these techniques, otherwise we'll never make progress."

25 of the 33 devils released were fitted with satellite tracking collars - a first for the program.

Biologist Dr Sam Fox said the collars would allow them to track the devils' movements over coming months, adding “that's really important for us because we learnt from our previous release that if we don't know where the animals are, we can't track them, we don't know how well they're doing, we don't know if they're on roads.”

There has been some criticism of previous devil translocations projects at Narawntapu in the state's north and the Forestier Peninsula in the south, where 15 devils were hit by cars.

Dr Fox said the tracking collars were one of several risk strategies adopted this time round, advising “the GPS collars that the devils have on them have reflective tape on them so if a devil's seen on the road, it'll stand out.”

Wildlife park owner Androo Kelly has raised concerns about the release, and the risk to the devils of contracting the disease.

Kelly advised “this is quite a risky experiment they're undertaking here, releasing healthy animals into a diseased environment.

"The vaccine hasn't been proven to be successful at this stage so it's still an experiment."

The Save the Devil Program is planning another translocation early next year in Tasmania's north-east.

Image shows the release of Tasmanian devils on the Forestier Peninsula.

21st March 2016 - TASMANIAN DEVILS TO AID SUSTAINABILITY OF MAINLAND AUSTRALIAN ECOSYSTEMS?

7th March 2016 - EASTERN QUOLLS RETURN TO AUSTRALIAN MAINLAND AFTER MORE THAN 50 YEARS

19th November 2015 - FENCE TO PROTECT NEWLY RELEASED TASMANIAN DEVILS

20th August 2014 - FEDERAL GOVERNMENT APPOINTS COMMISSIONER FOR THREATENED SPECIES


Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.

 

supplier directory

The Complete Guide to Leisure Industry Products & Services.

See the directory see all

XBODY Australia Pty Ltd

PROVEN BUSINESS CONCEPTS WITH XBODY XBody’s goal is to see you and your EMS business succeed. That is why we don’t just sell equipment, we provide know-how, expert knowledge, business support…

read more

Fitness / Technology / Wellness

 
 

Advanced Aquarium Technologies

Advanced Aquarium Technologies (AAT) is a world leader in the design, construction, and operation of landmark public aquariums. Led from Queensland, AAT has delivered aquarium projects in over 25…

read more

Attractions / Consultants / Design / Parks / Zoos

 
 

Smart Connection Consultancy

Smart Connection Consultancy is a boutique sport and recreation consultancy who has become one of Australia’s leading advocates for the use of synthetic sports surfaces as a vehicle to grow…

read more

Consultants / Recreation / Sport / Surfaces

 
 

Polin Waterparks

Polin was founded in Istanbul in 1976, and has since grown into a leading company in the waterparks industry. Today Polin is one of the world leaders in the design, production, and installation of…

read more

Aquatics / Attractions / Play / Waterparks

 
 

APT Asia Pacific Pty Ltd

APT (Advanced Polymer Technology) is the leading global manufacturer of polyurethane-based materials, acrylic coatings and synthetic turf products for sporting and recreational applications. From…

read more

Environment / Sport / Surfaces / Technology

 
 

Altitude Training Systems

ATS are global leaders in altitude training and research. From mask systems and inflatable tents to simulated altitude facilities, we help all athletes gain the competitive edge. Our…

read more

Fitness / Sport / Technology

 
 

BH Fitness

BH Fitness, part of the long-standing and iconic bike manufacturer BH Group, is a global leader in fitness equipment for both Commercial and Home markets. The company, with the headquarters based in…

read more

Fitness / Recreation / Sport / Technology / Wellness

 
 

iDwala Pty Ltd

iDwala is the Community Sports Facility Specialist offering the highest quality designs and technical expertise to Councils, Schools and Sporting Clubs looking to create sporting…

read more

Consultants / Design / Recreation / Sport / Surfaces

 
 
 
 

get listed with our suppliers directory

Get your business noticed in our targeted directory. Viewed by 10,000 industry professionals per week!

list your business