Scientists ready to test Tasmanian devil facial tumour vaccine in the wild

Jabiru96 · 4 Aug 2015

Scientists ready to test Tasmanian devil facial tumour vaccine in the wild - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)

A test group of Tasmanian devils vaccinated against the deadly facial tumour disease which is threatening to wipe them out is ready to be released in the wild.

Researchers at the Menzies institute at the University of Tasmania increased the number of devils being tested from six to 19, giving them a greater number of responses to the vaccine.

The devils from the captive insurance program have received the first doses of the trial vaccine.

It is estimated 90 per cent of the wild devil population has been wiped out by the infectious tumour which causes cancers around the mouth and head.

The vaccine was developed by growing the tumour cells in a laboratory, killing them, and then mixing them with a substance that induces inflammation.

Dr Ruth Pye said while they were still unsure about the level of protection the vaccine would offer, the early results were encouraging.

"Most of the devils have had promising results but they are due for a booster in August so then we will have a better idea of what the response will be," she said.

The devils will be released in the Narawntapu National Park in northern Tasmania in September.
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vogelcommando · 8 May 2016

Another cure for the infectious tumors ? :
Scientists might have finally found a way to stop the parasitic cancer wiping out Tasmanian devils - ScienceAlert

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Scientists ready to test Tasmanian devil facial tumour vaccine in the wild

Jabiru96 Well-Known Member

vogelcommando Well-Known Member 10+ year member

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Scientists ready to test Tasmanian devil facial tumour vaccine in the wild

Jabiru96 Well-Known Member

vogelcommando Well-Known Member 10+ year member

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