Volunteer pleads for more help to fight wombat mange scourge

Wombat warriors are continuing to campaign for more funds to protect the species from mange and compensate volunteers for their efforts to save them from a cruel death.

SNIFFER dogs trained to locate wombats infected with mange, and sanctuaries to look after the orphaned young of those who cannot be saved, should be funded by the State Government to help protect the species, volunteers say.

In a letter to the Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment, Alex Bock, from Pelham, said she had recently spotted eight wombats with mange within 5km of her property.

MANGE COULD LEAD TO WOMBAT EXTINCTION IN TASMANIA

A wombat with mange that is deaf and blind seeks shelter in the afternoon sun at Kelso. Picture: CHRIS KIDD

Ms Bock said the number of infected wombats in her area was another clear sign the disease was impacting wildlife outside the West Tamar region, where it was first noted, and Cradle Mountain National Park, and was spreading fast in the Derwent Valley.

She told authorities she was concerned about what image infected wombats would have on visitors in a state which promotes wildlife tourism.

“There are only a small number of volunteers, about 20, across the whole state, trying their best to manage the problem without financial support from the government,” Ms Bock said.

TASSIE WILDLIFE ECOLOGIST PART OF NEW WOMBAT MANGE FOCUS

Support could come in the form of grants for petrol, insurance and the purchase of mange treatments, she said.

“As you would be well aware, Dr Scott Carver, a researcher and lecturer from the University of Tasmania has proven the efficiency of using Bravecto to treat mange-affected wombats.

“Part of this funding needs to be used to subsidise volunteers the cost of the treatment.

“Funding provided to train sniffer dogs would improve the efficiency of tracing infected wombats, and a statewide campaign to get Tasmanians to record and report sightings to local organisations and sanctuaries to keep orphaned wombats will ensure the survival of the species.”

Wildlife carer Stephen Jones with a juvenile wombat recovering from mange at Kelso. Picture CHRIS KIDD

The department said monitoring showed the prevalence of mange varied across Tasmania, with two thirds of sites monitored exhibiting no disease.

“Among sites where mange is evident, the proportion of animals with mange varies considerably,” a department spokesman said.

“Overall, the prevalence of mange in wombats in Tasmania is generally low.

“Wombat population monitoring over a long period in Tasmania indicates that the overall population size has not been affected by mange.”

Wombats are not listed as a threatened or endangered species.

“In recognition of the animal welfare issues associated with wombats and mange, the department has been working with community groups, individuals and research organisations to continue to improve our understanding of the disease, its distribution, impacts and possible treatments,” the spokesman said.

“As part of this approach, we are undertaking monitoring at sites across the state, and supporting University of Tasmania trials to test and trial the efficacy of a systemic insecticide.

With funding and support from the Department, the University of Tasmania has undertaken trials with wombats in captivity to determine the potential effectiveness of this insecticide treatment, and is now planning field trials in both Tasmania and NSW.”