Mange is a skin condition that is caused by parasitic mites and is characterised by initial hair loss around the eyes, ears, neck, and sides of wombats. It can be identified by signs of hair loss or the appearance of widespread scabbing and what looks like cracks on their sides. 

As the wombat scratches, wounds are opened up that often become infected. Wombats with mange are often out of their burrow during the day, although perfectly healthy wombats can be out on a normal day.

“We’re seeing an increase in the number of wombats infected with mange in the Braidwood area at the moment, which is very concerning,” says Bill Waterhouse, NARG president and owner of Major’s Creek Wombat Refuge. “Infected wombats (and foxes) pass the disease to other wombats, which can be devastating to the delicate local eco-system.” 

That’s why NARG is asking residents to notify their local wildlife rescue organisation as soon as they spot a wombat that may be infected with mange. 

“While mange is very difficult to treat, early detection can give us a chance to save the wombat,” says Waterhouse. “Otherwise, infected wombats will need to be euthanised in order to stop the spread of this damaging and painful infestation.” 

In the Braidwood area and other parts of NSW, Victoria and Tasmania, land owners are having some success treating wombats with mange in the wild. 

It’s important not to touch an infected wombat as mange can be passed to humans as scabies. Instead contact your local wildlife care organisation.

“When a NARG carer is called out, we’ll make a decision as to whether we can take the wombat to our refuge for treatment, or if it needs to be euthanised to save the wombat from a slow, painful death,” says Waterhouse.