The Research Program

A research program has been established in Tasmania to investigate the Devil Facial Tumour Disease. Coordinated by the Department of Primary Industries and Water (DPIW), the Devil Facial Tumour Disease Program, or more simply the Devil Disease Program involves researchers and experts from a range of institutions, including University of Tasmania, University of Queensland, University of Sydney, Murdoch University in Western Australia, and wildlife parks and zoos (both local and interstate).

The program focuses on the key areas of:

Population Monitoring - Gathering data in the field to clarify disease distribution and impacts, and to help determine conservation strategies.

Disease Diagnostics - A laboratory-based investigation of the disease, including the definition, transmission, possible causes, and so on. (For latest published research go to www.tassiedevil.com.au)

Wild Management - Establishing methods for managing the impact of the disease in the wild. This includes continuing attempts on the Forestier Tasman Peninsula, in Southern Tasmania, to create a disease-free region.

Captive Management - A captive breeding population with 'founders' taken from areas of the where there hasn't been any record of the disease.

Collaborations
Partnerships between the Department of Primary Industries and Water, and research institutions across Australia have played an important role from the outset in furthering our knowledge of the Tasmanian devil disease. They also provide access to a wide range of resources and facilities.

For more information contact:
Department of Primary Industries and Water
www.dpiw.tas.gov.au