MANGE TREATMENT OF WOMBATS IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Simultaneously with the Malleefowl research and filming of the Heart of the Mallee, we focused on helping and treating the wombat population affected by sarcoptic mange.
Sarcoptic mange is a highly contagious skin disease caused by parasitic mites that burrow through the skin. The mites' faeces cause intense itching, hair loss and skin crusting. Vigorous scratching and biting then induce infection and swelling.
In some severe cases, the swelling is so advanced that the wombat cannot hear, see or smell to that extent that it is possible to approach a wild wombat with absolute ease. The immune system tries to fight the infection and inflammation, which requires a continuous intake of energy that causes the normally nocturnal wombats to graze almost continuously, even throughout the daytime.
The animal usually deteriorates to the point of collapse and death.
Mange is mostly spread by feral foxes and rabbits.
BARRY THE WOMBAT
Barry is a species of a common wombat and was the first wombat to be treated by our project.
Barry is a success story, as when he was found by John, his mange was so severe that he did not hear, see or smell John, even when he stood next to him. Complete hair loss, scabby skin and intense infection were spelling doom for this poor animal.
After careful thinking, John decided not to stress Barry by capturing him for treatment, but rather exploit the territorial behaviour and grazing patterns. And so he followed and treated him regularly when Barry was out grazing.
After a very helpful consultation with the South Australian Wombat Awareness Organisation, John constructed a very long pole with a cup at the end and acquired a drum of cydectin pour-on treatment, which became a part of his ute, so wherever he went, he was ready to treat wombats with mange.
After several weeks of regular treatment, Barry started to recover. Gradually, he became more aware of his surroundings, scabs and scratches healed, and eventually, he even grew his wombatty coat back!
Barry is now healthy and living happily in Taratap, SE South Australia.
We would like to express our most sincere thanks to Millicent & Kingston Veterinary Clinic for their kind donation of cydectin pour-on drench for our wombats!
Also, we would like to extend our most sincere thanks to the Wombat Awareness Organisation of South Australia for their guidance and the amazing work they do!
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