Devil facial tumour disease (DFTD) is a transmittable parasitic cancer in the Tasmanian Devil. The first "official case" was described in 1995, in Australia.
In the subsequent decade the disease ravaged Tasmania's wild devils, with estimates of decline ranging from 20% to as much as a 50% of the devil population, across over 65% of the state. DPIWE. 2005. Devil Facial Tumour Disease - Update June 2005 DPIWE. 2005. Tasmanian Devil Facial Tumor Disease, Disease Management Strategy Affected high-density populations suffer up to 100% mortality in 12-18 months. DPIWE. Disease Affecting Tasmanian Devils The disease has mainly been concentrated in Tasmania's eastern half.
Visible signs of DFTD begin with lesions and lumps around the mouth. These develop into cancerous tumours that spread from the face to the entire body. The tumours interfere with feeding, and the affected animal may starve to death.
