A popular flea and paralysis treatment for dogs has been granted a permit by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicine Authority (APVMA) to combat sarcoptic mange in wombats.

Sarcoptic mange causes significant animal welfare and conservation concerns, especially for bare-nosed wombats living in Australia. Bravecto, together with WIRES Wildlife Rescue have partnered and are committed to improving the welfare of wombats living in Australia by distributing Bravecto Spot-On for Dogs treatment to hard-working volunteers around the country to combat this horrific disease.

It is recorded that sarcoptic mange affects 150 species of wild mammals around the world, making it one of the most widespread of parasitic diseases affecting wildlife, domestic animals and even humans.

The iconic Australia wombat suffers the worst form of mange disease, commonly known as crusted mange, that causes a slow, painful death if left untreated.

It is a disease caused by a tiny parasitic mite that burrows into the skin of an animal, commonly known as scabies in humans. However, sarcoptic mange is not a new disease with records dating back more than 100 years. The introduction of this permit provides a breakthrough in managing the disease and conserving the wellbeing and welfare of wombats living in Australia.

Scott Carver, Disease Ecologist at University of Tasmania said that sarcoptic mange causes some of the most extreme animal suffering he has ever seen.

“Wombats that become infected gradually decline over approximately three months until they become so weakened that they die from opportunistic infections. Sarcoptic mange is an important animal welfare issue as it can limit the size of populations and cause declines that wipe out wombats in some areas.”

Kristie Newton, Campaigns Manager at WIRES, said that there has been a doubling of wombat rescues over the past five years.

“It is estimated that mange is now present in 90 per cent of wombat populations. The faster wombats receive treatment for this horrendous disease, the higher their chance of survival, which is why spreading awareness is so important.”

Fluralaner, the active ingredient in Bravecto Spot-On for Dogs, effectively controls mange in wombats. Bravecto Spot-On for Dogs has been shown to resolve the skin lesions in a wombat with mange in one to three treatments. The use of Bravecto is guided by research showing it is well tolerated and effective to give to wombats suffering the disease.

“The permit makes a big difference for wildlife carers and rehabilitators who try and help wombats suffering from sarcoptic mange. Managing disease in wild wombats is not easy, and the APVMA permit for Bravecto Spot-On for Dogs represents a great example of drug companies, researchers, wildlife organisations, wildlife carers and government all working together to help our native wildlife,” Carver said.

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