Sarcoptic mange is devastating wombat populations in Australia, causing severe suffering and death without treatment intervention.
Mange-affected wombats experience months of relentless itching, progressive skin crusting, and eventual blindness from crusted eyelids. Affected animals lose the ability to forage effectively and die slowly from starvation and secondary infection. The prolonged suffering from untreated mange represents one of the most welfare-significant disease challenges facing Australian native wildlife. Volunteer treatment programs deliver medication with minimal handling stress.