Australian scientists think they may have the answer to what has been mysteriously mass killing our frogs over the past twenty years – an aquatic chytrid fungi, yet to be named. So far, 10 different species of frog, covering four States have now succumbed and departed because of this deadly disease. Intensive studies began two decades ago in Queensland, when …
Lumpy Jaw in Macropods
What is it? This term is used to describe infection of the soft tissues and jawbone in marsupials. The highest risk group of marsupials to Lumpy Jaw are macropods. What are the signs? Hard immovable swellings on the jaw and face. White coloured pus discharging through holes in the skin. Difficulty in eating and slobbering. Weight loss and tiredness. …
Sarcoptic Mange in Wombats
Sarcoptic mange is a disease primarily of wombats caused by a small eight-legged mite, Sarcoptes scabiei. It can also cause mange in koalas, ringtail possums, dogs and foxes. Anecdotal evidence indicates that the mite can be transmitted from dogs and foxes to wombats and vice versa. Wombats afflicted with mange are itchy, develop fur loss, and thickened crusty skin. This …
Toxoplasmosis in Native Wildlife
Toxoplasmosis is a disease caused by a small parasite that is shed in cat faeces. Cats are the definitive host for the parasite, but marsupials are extremely sensitive to infection with the organism. Marsupials usually contract the disease through exposure to cat faeces, feed that has been contaminated by cat faeces, or by eating the flesh of another animal that …
Wild Fire & Injured Wildlife
The capture and handling of all wildlife must be performed as quickly and efficiently as possible, to avoid potential injury or captive myopathy #. All animals should be securely confined when transporting – taping cardboard boxes down, tying the end of pillowcases as well as fastening boxes within the car and leaving windows open for extra ventilation. It is not …
Fitting & Sugar Gliders
Diabetic animals are usually taken to vets with one of two types of problems: Excessive drinking and eating and weight loss that has become worse slowly over a long period. Occasionally with loss of appetite in the last day or two and occasionally with vomiting; or A sudden onset of fitting. However diabetes is NOT a likely cause for fitting. …
Bilbys for Easter
The Bilby is one of Australia’s unique creatures. It is easily recognised by its long, rabbit-like ears, and long soft blue-grey fur. The Bilby once roamed over most of mainland Australia’s semi-arid areas. Today they are found in isolated pockets of central Australia, where only a few thousand remain. This has left the Bilby tentatively balanced on the very edge …
Healesville Sanctuary
As zoos progress from that of menageries to conservation centres, the rationale for keeping animals in captivity has been defined into two categories: Conservation & Research / Education & Recreation Healesville Sanctuary is custodian to one of the remnant vegetation communities left in the Yarra Valley. Surrounded by farms and houses, it has suffered by invasion of weeds and pests. In 1989 …
Wildlife in Captivity
Under no circumstances is it permissible to take native fauna from the wild for the sole purpose of ‘having a pet’. Australia has one of the highest extinction rates of native mammals in the world – nearly 25% of all known species are extinct, endangered or vulnerable. Government funding is limited, public institutions often have their hands unwillingly tied behind their …