Mange is one of the biggest threats to Bare-nosed wombats and can wipe out isolated colonies in just a few years. It is geographically widespread and affects thousands of animals. Mange in wombats is caused by an infestation of the mite, Sarcoptes Scabiei, the same type of mite which causes scabies in humans and mange in dogs. The female mite buries into the epidermis while depositing eggs as well as leaving her waste behind, causing intense itchiness which leads to thick scabby plaques, and flyblown fissures. Eventually the wombat will die a slow painful death. Leaving wombats with sarcoptic mange to die is unethical and likely to lead to more wombats dying from mange. We have been carrying out extensive mange treatment programs covering large areas of private property and state forest for decades and have now a good success rate with a treatment duration of only 30 days, with flexibility for different individual response. See article of our successful mange treatment in the District Bulletin. For additional information on mange see "Treating mange using Moxidectin in Bare-nosed Wombats, dose rate, pharmacokinetics and case studies" pdf Manual.
