Tasmanian devil colony shows immunity to cancer

By TANALEE SMITH, Associated Press Writer Tanalee Smith, Associated Press Writer – 12 mins ago

So far, the colony in northwestern Tasmania state has proven immune to the face cancer that has ravaged the iconic animal — made famous worldwide by their Looney Tunes cartoon namesake, Taz.

The furry black animals spread a fast-killing cancer when they bite each other‘s faces. It causes grotesque facial tumors that eventually prevent them from feeding and can affect their internal organs.

But Belov said the new findings buy more time for managing the disease and developing a vaccine.

Twenty percent of those were found to be genetically different from the eastern devils, and so far have not caught the disease.

Another Tasmanian devil researcher, Hamish McCallum, said the discovery held "enormous promise."

"We have suspected for quite some time that there may have been animals with different genes in the northwest. ... What we don‘t know absolutely for sure is whether or not this genetic difference is sufficient for them not to get disease."

"There is now hope for their survival," Carr said in a statement.

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