Research published by the University of Tasmania’s Menzies Institute of Medical Research, states the Save The Tasmanian devil program is one step closer to being able to treat the facial tumour disease.

Menzies’ Professor Greg Woods says the breakthrough comes after his team used dead DFTD (Devil Facial Tumour Disease) cells to trigger an immune response.

The result provides encouraging evidence for potential development of a vaccine and the aim is to now begin field trials.

Tasmanian Environment, Parks and Heritage Minister Matthew Groom, has said that although there’s still a lot of work to be done, he supports the move towards trials to test immunisation as a tool in ensuring the devil’s long-term survival in the wild.

[img source] Gopal V. (CCA2.0)

