North-West Tasmanian Devils Cancer Free

Scientists have found tasmanian devils in the state’s far north-west coast area remain cancer free, despite the spread of the disease across the rest of the state. In a recent survey, more than 100 devils were caught in the area over 10 days. Government wildlife biologist Clare Hawkins says not one was found to have the facial tumour disease, which has already wiped out about 40 per cent of the state’s devil population. Dr Hawkins believes the survey results, combined with a trial now under way, may provide avenues for keeping the north-west disease-free