Wild Wombat Mange and Conservation Welfare

Sarcoptic mange is causing significant welfare suffering and population declines in common and southern hairy-nosed wombats across Australia, with treatment programs providing direct welfare intervention.

Key Facts

Sarcoptic mange causes severe itching, skin thickening, and death in wombats if untreated
Mange spreads rapidly through wombat populations sharing burrow systems as mites transfer between individuals
Burrowing also spreads mites to animals using shared burrow networks over large areas
Coordinated mange treatment programs using ivermectin-treated flaps at burrow entrances are effective
Southern hairy-nosed wombat populations in some areas have declined by over 80% from mange

Welfare Considerations

Wombats dying from mange experience weeks of intense pruritic suffering from mite infestation, progressive skin damage, and starvation from inability to forage effectively. The suffering is prolonged and severe. Treatment programs using ivermectin-treated flaps at burrow entrances — which apply medication to the backs of passing wombats — provide welfare intervention at scale without requiring capture of individual animals. Supporting these programs and advocating for their expansion addresses one of the most significant active wildlife welfare crises in Australia.

What You Can Do

Support Mange Treatment programs from Wombat Protection Society of Australia and WIRES
Install ivermectin-treated burrow flaps if wombats with mange are using your property
Contact Wildlife Victoria or WIRES immediately if you see a wombat showing mange symptoms
Learn about wombat mange treatment methods and share them with rural landholders in wombat range