Treating Mange

Wombat Mange

Free-living wombats do not cope well in captivity as they stress and with an already suppressed immune system they usually die within days, so bringing them into care is not a realistic option.

Treatments

The fact that wombats are nocturnal and live underground means treatment is difficult but not impossible. Many wombats live on private land so their health and well-being is dependent on the landowner’s concern and interest.

There is a simple way of treating wombats and preventing mange from spreading.

The two main methods

Free Treatment Kit

Mange Management provides free treatment kits that cover both direct or burrow flap application.

Your FREE treatment kit will contain:
Information leaflet, wire frame, burrow flap, cydectin, syringe, rubber gloves, scoop, cable ties.

Phone or email for details on how you can pick up a free mange treatment kit from over 45 locations throughout Victoria.

Before Starting Treatment

Mange Management recommends you contact us to confirm mange diagnosis and correct Cydectin® dosage for treatment.

Recommended Dosage

Once weekly for 15 weeks or less if all scabs have dropped off.

Continued fortnightly or monthly treatments are a good idea if the infestation has been severe and there is more than one wombat involved. The Cydectin® will work as a preventative and can be phased out over a period of months when mange is no longer present in the area.

Supportive Treatment

Sometimes supportive treatment may be needed if the wombat develops open wounds as a result of the scabs being scratched off. This is usually superficial and heals within a couple of days.

In the summer when flies are prevalent and annoying the wombat Troy Chloromide can be used to stop wounds becoming flyblown. This is an antiseptic which may help the wound to heal and also repels flies.

Other products that may assist are Cetrigen and Flints Lotion (These products are usually available at Produce Stores).

The dosage rate for an adult wombat with mange is 20ml once a week.

Based on the mite life cycle, free living wombats need to be treated once a week for up to 15 weeks until all scabs have dropped off.

Direct Application

Pole and Scoop Method

There is no need to catch or touch the wombat at any stage.

If the wombat is approachable we suggest treating with a pole and scoop device. This device is simply a plastic scoop found in washing detergent or similar which is taped to a long pole (maybe an old broom handle). A wombat that is approachable usually indicates a more severely infested wombat.

Do not chase the wombat as this could cause stress. Approach the wombat slowly and pour the Cydectin along the wombat’s back and spine as this is the healthiest area and will allow the solution to be more easily absorbed. Remember the treatment is only once a week. Continue this way for as long as possible. After 4 – 5 weeks the wombat will be starting to feel better and may revert to its nocturnal behavior. This is when a burrow flap will need to be set up. See below

Cydectin® is being administered via a pole and scoop straight onto the wombats back.

Treating Wombat wounds with spray

Burrow Flap Method

How to set up a flap on a burrow

The Burrow Flap is an easy way to treat wombats with mange as the flaps can be placed and monitored during daylight hours and without disturbing the wombat.

There is no need to catch or touch the wombat as it self medicates when leaving or returning to it’s burrow, this ensures no stress for the wombat.

Our Burrow Flaps are made from an ice-cream container lid and bottle top inserted and are easy to set up. A dose of Cydectin® is placed in the bottle top which is mounted in the flap. The burrow flap is then suspended from a simple wire frame which has been positioned at the entrance to the burrow. As the wombat enters or leaves the burrow the flap tilts and the Cydectin® trickles onto the wombat’s back. The “Cydectin®” solution needs to be checked and replaced once a week for 15 weeks or less if all scabs have dropped off. This makes weekend treatment programs a suitable way to care for the wombats. (Scroll to the bottom of this page to see a burrow flap in action)

Frame positioned at the entrance to the burrow. Make sure the cable ties are pulled tight to stop the flap from moving around on the wire frame but be sure the flap can move forward & back without disturbance.

Wire frame can also be pushed into the top of burrow.

If the entrance is too wide it may be necessary to make it smaller by blocking off the sides with logs to encourage the wombat to push under the flap.

FINISHED … Burrow entrance modified encouraging wombat to activate the burrow flap.

Burrow flap set up on a fence

Burrow flap set up for other situations

Burrow flaps can also be set up on well worn tracks under fences. The burrow flap may need to be shortened to allow easier access (as above).

Flaps can be hung anywhere a wombat goes under ie. a jetty or walkway or under old sheds (access needs to be blocked on either side)

Stakes can be installed on either side of the frame to encourage the wombat to walk under the flap.

How to tell if a burrow is active

If you are uncertain whether a burrow is active, try covering the entrance with some bracken or sticks. This is not invasive for the wombat and these will be pushed aside if the burrow is being used.

Wombat activating a burrow flap set up on a well worn track

Wombat self-medicating using a Burrow Flap set up outside a burrow.

Watch how the Cydectin pours down the centre of the wombat’s back where it will be easily absorbed.

Mange Management Inc.
PO Box 144
St Andrews VIC 3761  Australia
T: 0431 600 125
E: info@mangemanagement.org.au

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