S J Peck1, S A Michael1, G Knowles2, A Davis2, D Pemberton1. 1. Save the Tasmanian Devil Program, Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment, 200 Collins Street, Hobart, Tasmania, 7000, Australia. 2. Animal Health Laboratory, Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment, Prospect, TAS, Australia.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Devil facial tumour disease (DFTD) is a contagious cancer causing marked population declines in wild Tasmanian devils. In response to this threat, a captive insurance population has been established. This study investigated causes of death in captive Tasmanian devils. METHODS: Clinical and laboratory records of captive Tasmanian devils held in seven Tasmanian captive facilities were analysed for cause of death or severe morbidity requiring euthanasia. RESULTS: Neoplasia was found to be the most common cause of mortality/severe morbidity, accounting for 27/63 of deaths. Cutaneous lymphoma was the most frequently observed tumour (10/27), at a higher incidence than previously reported. The most common cause of severe morbidity, following neoplasia, was leucoencephalomyelopathy, which caused severe, progressive hindlimb paresis and ataxia. CONCLUSION: Neoplasia, specifically cutaneous lymphoma, and degenerative neurological conditions are the most frequent causes of death in captive Tasmanian devils in Tasmania. Further work to determine the aetiologies of these conditions, as well as effective treatments, would be valuable.
BACKGROUND: Devil facial tumour disease (DFTD) is a contagious cancer causing marked population declines in wild Tasmanian devils. In response to this threat, a captive insurance population has been established. This study investigated causes of death in captive Tasmanian devils. METHODS: Clinical and laboratory records of captive Tasmanian devils held in seven Tasmanian captive facilities were analysed for cause of death or severe morbidity requiring euthanasia. RESULTS:Neoplasia was found to be the most common cause of mortality/severe morbidity, accounting for 27/63 of deaths. Cutaneous lymphoma was the most frequently observed tumour (10/27), at a higher incidence than previously reported. The most common cause of severe morbidity, following neoplasia, was leucoencephalomyelopathy, which caused severe, progressive hindlimb paresis and ataxia. CONCLUSION:Neoplasia, specifically cutaneous lymphoma, and degenerative neurological conditions are the most frequent causes of death in captive Tasmanian devils in Tasmania. Further work to determine the aetiologies of these conditions, as well as effective treatments, would be valuable.
Authors: Amanda R Stahlke; Brendan Epstein; Soraia Barbosa; Mark J Margres; Austin H Patton; Sarah A Hendricks; Anne Veillet; Alexandra K Fraik; Barbara Schönfeld; Hamish I McCallum; Rodrigo Hamede; Menna E Jones; Andrew Storfer; Paul A Hohenlohe Journal: Proc Biol Sci Date: 2021-05-26 Impact factor: 5.349
Authors: Andrew S Flies; Jocelyn M Darby; Patrick R Lennard; Peter R Murphy; Chrissie E B Ong; Terry L Pinfold; Alana De Luca; A Bruce Lyons; Gregory M Woods; Amanda L Patchett Journal: Sci Adv Date: 2020-07-01 Impact factor: 14.136