Researchers hope a new test may be able to detect the deadly facial tumour disease in Tasmanian devils before physical symptoms begin appearing.
The disease results in the animal starving to death and has caused devil populations to drop by about 80 per cent in parts of the state.
Researchers say the testing will help inform research to develop a potential future oral vaccination.
A newly developed test that can immediately detect the deadly devil facial tumour disease (DFTD) affecting Tasmanian devils could become a weapon to combat declining population numbers around the state.
WARNING: This story contains images of the disease affecting Tasmanian devils
Researchers at the University of Tasmania's Menzies Institute for Medical Research developed the portable field test, which uses oral swabs to detect the disease in wild populations.
DFTD is transmitted through direct contact, such as biting, and causes the animal to starve to death.
In some parts of the state, the disease has reduced devil populations by about 80 per cent.
The current testing method relies on visible tumours, and results take days to return.
It is hoped the new tests may be able to detect the disease earlier and help inform the development of an oral vaccine.
DFTD causes tumours to grow on the devils'
