Wildlife

Wombat Welfare and Sarcoptic Mange

Wombats across southeastern Australia suffer devastating sarcoptic mange outbreaks causing intense suffering and mortality in wild populations.

Key Facts

Sarcoptic mange in bare-nosed wombats can cause up to 100% mortality in affected populations
Mange mites cause severe skin thickening, hair loss, and intense itching
Treatment flaps allow burrow-based medication delivery without capture
Mange was introduced through contact with affected livestock or foxes
Southern hairy-nosed wombats also face mange challenges in different regions

Welfare Considerations

Sarcoptic mange causes prolonged intense suffering. Affected wombats develop thick, cracked skin across the entire body with severe pruritus. Mange reduces vision from skin growth over the eyes. Affected animals become underweight as the immune response diverts energy. Death can take months. Wombats in advanced mange stages are still frequently encountered because they cannot see approaching threats.

What You Can Do

Support wombat mange treatment programs including burrow flaps
Donate to wombat rescue organizations providing treatment
Advocate for research into community-level mange eradication approaches
Support wombat wildlife hospital programs
Engage with landowners on livestock management reducing mange transmission risk