New Tool to Help Wombats with Mange

Wildcare Queanbeyan, has a brand new ‘tool’ in the wombat mange treatment toolkit.

The wildlife group has developed an online wombat mange treatment training course, which provides vital information about how to treat wombats with mange. The course is free to members of the community, landholders and members of wildlife groups.

Wildcare's wombat mange program co-ordinator, Elena Guarracino in front of a wombat burrow.

Wildcare’s wombat mange program co-ordinator, Elena Guarracino said the new online mange course is a game changer and will give community members and landholders easy access to the information and confidence they need to start treating wombats with mange.

“When people see a wombat with mange, they often do not know it needs help, or they think it will be OK, or that nothing can be done about it,” Guarracino said.

Mange is a very nasty condition, caused by a tiny mange mite, an insect not visible to the human eye. If not treated, the wombat will die a slow painful death, and can take up to a year to die, depending on the size and age of the wombat.

A wombat with mange

The mite burrows under the wombat’s skin, laying its eggs, which causes great discomfort to the wombat. The wombat scratches  and scratches, causing open wounds,  along with hair loss and thick scabs. Often the wombat appears to be deaf and blind, with scabs around the eyes and ears.

But the good news is mange can be treated and Wildcare is reaching out to the community to do the course and volunteer to start treating wombats with mange.

Guarracino said further practical training is offered and people can work with other mange team members until they feel confident to treat wombats by themselves.

Wildcare Queanbeyan, wombat mange program co-ordinator, demonstrating a simple mange treatment method. Mange treatment involves the use of Cydectin, a cattle pour-on or Bravecto, a dog spot-on.

Mange treatment supplies are provided, free of charge, and supervision and support is provided.

To do the course,  click on the link: Wombat Mange Program | Wildcare   

Free membership is available for members of the community and landholders to treat wombats with mange and be authorised under the Wildcare licence.

Please report all wombats with mange to the Wildcare Helpline 6299 1966.

Or contact the wombat mange program co-ordinator: mange@wildcare.com.au 

Wildcare Queanbeyan volunteers out in the field putting up mange treatment flaps over wombat burrows

The Wildcare mange program has been funded by the NSW Government in partnership with the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service and the Foundation for National Parks and Wildlife.