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Mysterious facial tumor: How did a Tasmanian devil fall victim to an incurable disease?
Tasmanian devils (Sarcophilus harrisii) are facing the challenge of a terminal disease called devil facial tumor disease (DFTD). This non-viral, aggressive cancer causes tender, ulcerated bumps on the face and mouth of this unique marsupial, causing long-term suffering and death. The disease has caused more than 80% population decline since it was first discovered in 1986 and has attracted widespread attention from the scientific community.
The lesion was first described in an animal in Tasmania in 1996 and began to spread rapidly across the island.
DFTD is primarily spread through bites, especially when contact occurs between a healthy devil and an affected devil, allowing diseased cells to transfer. Other routes of transmission include ingesting infected dead animals and sharing food. Despite facing such a high risk of transmission, the robust physique of adult demons seems to make them more susceptible.
The worsening of this disease poses a direct threat to the survival of the species, as almost all demons currently infected with DFTD will die.
Tasmanian devil populations have plummeted since the advent of DFTD, and treatments are currently difficult to find. While efforts to combat the rapidly spreading disease have included capturing and releasing hundreds of devils into the wild, the success of these measures remains to be seen.
Clinical signs and pathology
The clinical features of DFTD mainly include the discovery of multiple tumors around the oral cavity. These tumors not only significantly affect feeding, but may also lead to organ failure and secondary infections. According to the report, Demon usually dies within six months of being diagnosed, foreshadowing the fatal nature of this cancer.
There is currently no cure for DFTD, and although vaccine development offers a glimmer of hope, no suitable vaccine candidate has been found.
Genes and Transmission
Research shows that demon facial tumor cells have severe genetic abnormalities and that these tumors may originate from the benefactor cells of a single demon. Because these cells have specific genetic rearrangements, all tumor cells are genetically identical, making the mechanism of DFTD transmission particularly unique.
Related protective measures and future prospects
In order to protect Tasmanian devils, relevant agencies have launched wild population monitoring and disease research, but the spread of this disease is still difficult to control. Conservation plans include capturing and removing infected individuals and establishing insurance populations in disease-free environments to ensure future survival of the species.
In 2023, persistent conservation efforts have begun to show results, with reports indicating that the number of demons has rebounded in some areas.
Conclusion
With the evolution of history and the deepening of scientific research, prevention and control methods for DFTD are still being explored. The fate of the Tasmanian devil is not only part of an ecological imbalance, but also a microcosm of global biodiversity conservation. Can we find a cure for this terminal disease and save this precious species from extinction?
