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Tasmanian devils in crisis: How does this mysterious cancer spread?
Tasmanian devils, a marsupial native to the Australian island of Tasmania, are facing a deadly threat called Devil Facial Tumor Disease (DFTD). This aggressive, non-viral cancer is spreading at an alarming rate and is raising alarm bells about the survival of the species. Since it was first seen in 1986, the spread of DFTD has attracted widespread attention from scientists and conservation groups.
"The disease is nearly fatal and poses a direct threat to the survival of the Tasmanian devil."
DFTD presents as soft tissue lumps, primarily around the mouth, that ulcerate and can invade surrounding organs and even metastasize to other parts of the body. Wild devils affected by the lesion typically die within six months from organ failure, secondary infection, or metabolic starvation. In particular, the most robust individuals among adult devils are the most susceptible to the disease.
DFTD is estimated to have first developed in 1986, and two main strains currently exist. DFT1 is the predominant and earliest strain, first identified in 1996 in Mount William National Park in northeastern Tasmania. DFT2 first appeared in 2011 and was first discovered in 2014, and is mainly confined to the area around D'Entrecasteaux Strait in southern Tasmania.
Disease transmission
DFTD is mainly transmitted through biting. When the teeth of a healthy demon come into contact with cancer cells, they become infected. In addition, transmission can also occur through eating infected corpses and sharing food. Although devils' genetic diversity makes them less resistant to foreign cells, there is evidence that their immune systems are able to recognize and fight cancer cells.
"The animals most likely to be infected are usually the healthiest devils."
Efforts to overcome the crisis
In the face of DFTD's attack, the Tasmanian government and the scientific community joined forces to launch a multi-faceted conservation campaign. The first is to strategically prohibit the capture and killing of infected individuals to prevent the spread of the disease. Over time, this policy did not work as expected, so healthy devils were brought into captivity and some were released back into the wild.
Capturing and studying the affected devils is an ongoing effort, as researchers pursue the possibility of developing a vaccine. Although a vaccine trial in 2017 showed only one in five devils were protected against DFTD, the continuation of the effort still sends a message of hope.
Protection and Future Outlook
Currently, the Tasmanian breeding program is continuing and work is underway to establish an 'insurance' population as a backstop against DFTD. These conservation projects now cover more than 98% of the genetic diversity. Some success stories, such as the establishment of a healthy devil community on Maria Island, have also boosted hopes for breeding in the wild.
However, there are still many unknowns in academia regarding future conservation strategies. Scientists continue to explore the evolution of DFTD and its impact on the Tasmanian devil's immune system. Globally, whether this type of cancer will spread to other related species has become a focus of concern.
"Whether this disease will change life cycles and reproductive behavior is something we need to think about in the future."
