Protecting Wombats Together

Since 2022, WIRES has been proud to partner with BRAVECTO in the fight against one of the greatest threats to wombats – sarcoptic mange.

Mange is a fatal disease caused by the scabies mite, and for wombats, it’s both a serious conservation challenge and a devastating welfare issue. Due to their burrow-living behaviour and contact patterns, wombats are highly vulnerable to this parasite, which causes extreme discomfort, fur loss, blindness, and ultimately death if untreated.

Thanks to our partnership with BRAVECTO, wildlife volunteers and carers across Australia have access to BRAVECTO Spot-on for Dogs – an effective treatment that is transforming wombat care. This support has been a game-changer for mange rehabilitation in the field.

Why this partnership matters more than ever

Mange is spreading and becoming increasingly common, it’s estimated to be present in 90% of the population. Calls for wombat assistance have risen by 51% over the past four years. Around 35% of these calls each year are mange-related. This upward trend is echoed by wildlife groups nationwide, many of whom depend on partnerships like this for resources and treatment supplies.

In parallel, WIRES’ Community Mange Program has grown rapidly – with a 96.7% increase in trained mange treaters in the past year alone – showing just how committed communities are to saving wombats.

 Photo: Burrow flap with Bravecto application

Real results in the field

“You can see significant improvement after just one treatment of BRAVECTO. After just one dose, the wombat had visibly improved his body condition score by gaining at least 1–2 kg. Having been visually and audibly impaired, the wombat has shown significant improvement after just one dose of BRAVECTO.”
— Clare Stead, WIRES volunteer

Looking ahead

Every treated wombat is a step towards protecting the future of the species. By working together, WIRES and BRAVECTO are equipping volunteers with the tools they need, helping wombats recover faster, and reducing the spread of this cruel disease.

Together, we can give wombats a fighting chance.