Guy Barnett,Minister for Primary Industries and Water
The Tasmanian Government is supporting ongoing efforts to find the best way to treat wombats afflicted by sarcoptic mange.
In partnership with UTAS, research and monitoring into wombat mange is continuing and these ongoing efforts are yielding promising results.
A systemic insecticide is currently being investigated to assess its safety and effectiveness when treating wombats with mange in the wild. The Government is contributing $10,000 per annum over three years to support this, with additional in-kind support from Departmental experts.
Early results are encouraging and we look forward to the outcome of field trials which are expected to begin later this year.
We will continue working with researchers and the community to manage the impacts of sarcoptic mange on our wombat population. While outbreaks of mange do occur, the most recent population monitoring data shows that, overall, wombats have increased in numbers over the past 35 years and they are not at risk of becoming threatened.
The Government committed $100,000 in 2017 to address wombat mange, including monitoring, research into treatments, and financial support for community groups and individuals to treat mange affected wombats.
DPIPWE also provides the most comprehensive information and advice on mange of any jurisdiction in Australia and will continue to take part in coordinated round-table discussions about the issues facing wombats in Australia and to share information about approaches and opportunities.
