Devil disease strikes Australian state.

Devil facial tumour disease is spreading unchecked (ABC News) across the Australian state of Tasmania. No one knows what's causing it or how it is transmitted. Up to 100% mortality is reported in some communities. Fortunately for you and me, the disease affects only Tasmanian devils, not humans. The disease has already claimed 20% to 50% of the devil population.

Read more:

• Australian government web site about devil facial tumour disease (Warning: gruesome pictures.)
• Speculative link to mass poisoning. (The Mercury, an Aussie paper)