CF in Tasmania

Tasmania has the highest number of carriers of the CF gene in Australia and the second-highest rate of carriers in the world, behind Ireland. Estimates vary, but even the most conservative figures suggest around 1 in 20 Tasmanians carry a CF gene, compared to 1 in 25 in the rest of Australia.

This high rate of carriers is mainly due to Tasmania’s significant Anglo-Celtic background. It is estimated that around 28,500 Tasmanians are symptomless carriers of the CF gene. As carriers of CF are unaffected and show no symptoms, they may not be aware that they carry the gene. Over 115 Tasmanians live with CF today.

Across Australia, 1 in every 2500 babies is born with CF every year. That is approximately one every four days. It is estimated that around one million Australians carry the CF gene. 94% of babies born with CF are born into families with no known family history of the condition.

Carrier screening