SYDNEY. A new type of cancer threat in Australia Tasmanian devils, the world’s oldest marsupial carnivore that is already endangered because of a facial tumor, local press reported today.
Researchers at the University of Tasmania in the south, have found at least eight cases of this new type of cancer, which is similar to the disease known as Tumor Facial Devils (DFTD, acronym in English), according to ABC.
Greg Woods, a scientist at the UW, said that the new tumor, like the DFTD, also affects the nose and face Devils and transmitted due to injuries in fights between individuals.
“Fortunately, it is similar to DFTD and procedures we are using to tackle the disease facial tumor will be used to study this New cancer, “he said.
According to scientists, the DFTD is one of the few known cancers that spread.
The Tasmanian Devil (Sarcophilus laniarius) disappeared from the Australian mainland ago about four centuries, possibly by the growing presence of wild dog or dingo, but survived on the island of Tasmania.
In 2009, he was listed as endangered species because of a deadly cancer that threatens its existence and scientists try to eradicate with government help.
According to expert estimates, the population of hell has been reduced by over 80 percent from the 90′s and currently only between 10,000 and 15,000.
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