Devil facial tumor disease has ravaged the population of Tasmanian Devils in the last decade. DFTD is a
transmissible cancer, i.e. the tumor cells themselves (which differ genetically from their host animal) are the agent responsible. The disease is spread by biting and other contact, and the resulting grotesque tumors interfere with feeding and lead to starvation.
Poor immune response may be partially responsible. This is actually not the only such disease: canine transmissible venereal tumor is an
analogue that has been known to be contagious since the 19th century. (CTVT, however, gets a proper immune response.)
[more inside]
posted by parudox
on Oct 29, 2007 -
7 comments
