Transmissible cancers are passed between individuals by the transfer of living cancer cells. These diseases are rare in nature. Among mammals, only three transmissible cancers are known, affecting dogs and Tasmanian devils. Several transmissible cancers have also been identified in marine bivalve molluscs, including various species of clams, cockles and mussels. https://www.tcg.vet.cam.ac.uk/about
It’s not transmissable to humans though, so not sure what the truck owner was on about.
is spread by tumor cells getting passed from dog to dog
Indeed, but no mention of dog-to-human transmission.
There’s also the infamous Tasmanian Devil facial tumour disease. It is also transmissible, mainly because a population bottleneck has reduced the genetic diversity of Tasmanian Devils to the point where their immune systems have trouble telling each other’s cells apart.
Someone should let them know cancer isn’t contagious.
Some types of dog cancer are contagious.
Thats interesting, I had no idea that was a thing. Just goes to show that the most well understood theory could have exceptions.
It’s rare in mammals but it happens.
It’s not transmissable to humans though, so not sure what the truck owner was on about.
Indeed, but no mention of dog-to-human transmission.
There’s also the infamous Tasmanian Devil facial tumour disease. It is also transmissible, mainly because a population bottleneck has reduced the genetic diversity of Tasmanian Devils to the point where their immune systems have trouble telling each other’s cells apart.
Yup, I made that very comment 3 hrs ago. Some molluscs, too.
Neat, thanks! Didn’t know about the molluscs.