CURRENT DISTRIBUTION OF SARCOPTIC MANGE IN WOMBATS

Objective To determine the distribution and prevalence of sarcoptic ma nge in wombats, particularly the common wombat (Vombatus ursinus). Des ign Questionnaire survey in two parts. Procedure Questionnaires were d istributed to biologists, rangers, animal carers and naturalists. Part 1 of the questionnaire aimed to determine the present distribution of sarcoptic mange in wombats (103 responses). Part 2 invited respondent s to assess the prevalence of sarcoptic mange in wombats over a 3 mont h period (four responses). Information on wombats from 66 localities w as received. Each locality represented an area of about 2500 km(2). Re sults Mange was observed at 93% of localities surveyed and Sarcoptes s cabiei was present in common wombats at 52% of localities. Sarcoptic m ange was highly prevalent (22%) in two common wombat populations in Vi ctoria. Anecdotal evidence suggested that mange epizootics are sporadi c, cause significant morbidity and mortality and have a substantial ef fect on local abundance. The respondents did not report sarcoptic mang e in either northern hairy-nosed wombats (Lasiorhinus krefftii) or sou thern hairy-nosed wombats (Lasiorhinus latifrons). Conclusions Sarcopt ic mange occurs in common wombat populations throughout the range of t he common wombat including Tasmania and Flinders Island. While mange e pizootics are sporadic, they have the potential to threaten the long-t erm survival of small, remnant populations.