Tasmanian devils' killer disease genome mapped

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-17062091
The article above is quite intriguing! Anyone who has taken, or is currently taking biology 30, will be able to connect with their understanding of gene mutations. Essentially, the article discusses the unique nature of the Devil Facial Tumour Disease (DFTD), which has led to a 90% decline in Tasmanian Devil populations in some areas. The fatal, cancerous tumor is transmitted by biting, allowing the cancer cells to live on without the original host organism. The mutation first occurred in a female Tasmanian Devil, the so called "immortal devil" over 15 years ago. Researchers are currently investigating the disease and seeking means of eradicating the transmissible mutation so to prevent the foreseeable extinction of the Tasmanian Devil. Genomicists have performed in depth studies on the genetic sequence of the Tasmanian Devil so to determine which individuals should be placed into protective custody until the cancer epidemic has been vanquished. Hopefully a positive future lies ahead for this species, as well as advancements in the field of genetics as a result of the research that has been conducted.

Having took Bio 30, I understand how mutations form and the devastating effects they can have, like DFTD which has lead to a 90% decline in Tasmanian Devils since its introduction 15 years ago. However this cancerous mutation in Tasmanian Devils its quite different from cancers in humans, as it is transmitted though biting and lives on after the host has died earning the name "immortal devil", while with humans, contact with a cancerous individual will not cause it to spread and the cancer dies along with the human it affects. Yet, this ablitity to transfer its self though a bite, makes me wonder if other animals can suffer the same affects if bitten by a Tasmanian Devil carrying the disease. And further more, if humans can contract the disease while trying to help affect Tasmanain Devils, prevent unaffected Tasmanian Devils from becoming ill, or gathering research about DFTD. Would the disease have the same affects on other species - growth of large facial tumours that impair the animal from eating making it weak.
However, it is amazing how much progress scientists have already made in helping the Tasmanian Devil conqure cancer, having already squence the genome of the Tasmanain Devil. This will aid them in now looking for the mutated genes and allow them to find ways to stop the spread of this contagious cancer. As Belinda said, genomicists have already started to determine which individuals should be placed into protective custody. With the advancements made in genetics over the past few decades, I am wouldnt be surprised if scientists were able to stop the spread of this diseases and save the Tasmanian Devil species from extinction.