Friday, December 10, 2010

Kangaroos get a visit from the dentist

Kangaroos at an Israeli zoo are being given dental treatment to cure a mouth disease that could potentially kill them. Lumpy jaw disease is common among kangaroos and causes loss appetite and eventually death from starvation.

An outbreak of the disease four years ago killed 40 per cent of the kangaroos at Gan Garoo Australian Park, spurring scientists to find a cure.



Researchers at Hebrew University in Israel have invented a special toothpaste that has so far succeeded in slowing the spread of the disease.

Dr Maytal Bakal-Weiss, head veterinarian at Gan Garoo Australian Park, said: "We want to spread the rumour about this treatment, it's very important for me so other kangaroos can get this treatment and be well."

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