Hello!

My name is Isobel Scowen and I am a fifth year Veterinary Medicine student studying at the University of Cambridge. As part of the course, we are required to undertake a VetMB Project. For mine, I am hoping to travel to Tasmania this summer (08.07.19 to 18.08.19) to carry out research alongside DPIPWE and the Save The Tasmanian Devil Program (STDP) with the aim of developing a new effective anthelmintic regime (treatment against worms) for captive Tasmanian devils.

The Tasmanian devil is the largest extant carnivorous marsupial. In the past 20 years, wild Tasmanian devil populations have declined as a result of Devil Facial Tumour Disease (DFTD). This fatal infectious cancer causes dramatic lesions around the face, mouth and neck, making it difficult for the affected devil to eat. An important aspect of the work of the STDP was thus to set up and maintain a captive ‘insurance population’. Its purpose is to insure against possible extinction by providing for release of healthy devils into the wild. Captive Tasmanian devil populations are managed to maintain a healthy population and as such, this often includes anthelmintic treatment. Unfortunately, current treatments are proving ineffective. The aim of my project is therefore to determine a safe anthelmintic treatment that is effective against worms in Tasmanian devils. This would promote the health and welfare of the captive population of Tasmanian devils, so aiding their conservation.

The funds raised by this JustGiving Page will go towards travel to and from Tasmania and accommodation in Tasmania, allowing me to undertake my VetMB project.

DISCLAIMER: I’d like to make it clear that the STDP is not endorsing, supporting or in any way involved with this fundraising. No money raised by this JustGiving will be going directly to the program.

Please give whatever you can – even the smallest amount helps. Thank you!