Tuesday, 28 November 2023

Wombat mange

Georgie PURCELL (Northern Victoria) (18:20): (623) My adjournment matter is for the Minister for Environment, and the action I seek is for him to pursue a wombat population assessment, including research into the percentage currently affected by insidious mange throughout Victoria. Sarcoptic mange is caused by parasitic mites that burrow under the skin surface and lay eggs that cause intense itching and pain. Over time the skin develops thick scabs and open sores that slowly take over the entire body. We know that mange plagues our native wombat populations, and without treatment it is certain to be fatal, often a slow death due to secondary infection. Research out of Tasmania suggests that once 25 per cent of the population of wombats is infected the entire population will decline.

Treatments have historically required weekly application for up to 3½ months. Not only are wombats mostly nocturnal, they also live underground, have multiple homes and love to burrow-swap. It means that treatments in the wild are challenging, with uncertain results. But there are fears that no action could result in wombats becoming extinct within the next 20 to 30 years, so of course Victoria’s dedicated wildlife rescuers persevere despite the challenges.

Now new research into a common drug has given them hope. Bravecto is used to treat fleas and ticks in our companion animals, and years of research have revealed that it can have a huge success in the treatment of mange when applied topically to wombats. It lasts six times longer than other available mange treatments and is the first mange treatment to be specifically researched for use on wildlife. The best part is that it requires three applications at the very most.

Dr Scott Carver, who led the research into this breakthrough medicine, considers wombat mange to be the most extreme animal suffering that he has ever seen. Thankfully a permit now allows hundreds of wildlife carers to make use of this effective treatment, including in Victoria. But much more needs to be done to ensure wombats receive this treatment before mange advances. My friends at the wombat Mange Management project say this can only occur if we truly understand the impact this horrible illness is having on our native icons. It is also critical for wildlife carers to understand where to release rehabilitated wombats to avoid infection. I hope that the minister will commit to a comprehensive assessment before it is much too late.