Devil Facial Tumour Disease

Devil facial tumour disease (DFTD) is an aggressive non-viral, transmittable parasitic cancer that affects Tasmanian Devils. Small lesions or lumps, in and around the mouth, quickly develop into large tumours on the face and neck (and sometimes other parts of the body). The tumours interfere with feeding and the affected animal may starve to death. Once the cancer becomes visible, it is almost always fatal. It is estimated the Tasmanian devil population has declined by as much as 50 per cent since the onslaught of the disease, and has affected devil populations in 65 per cent of Tasmania, with concentrations highest across the eastern part of the state. Menzies researchers are investigating treatments for the prevention of DFTD.

This disease is being researched in the following projects:

Research Projects