Vaccine to curb chlamydia epidemic devastating koalas approved
13 hours ago
- #chlamydia epidemic
- #koala conservation
- #wildlife vaccine
- A vaccine to combat chlamydia in koalas has been approved for the first time.
- Developed by University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC) scientists over a decade.
- Chlamydia affects up to 70% of some wild koala colonies, pushing them toward extinction.
- The disease causes urinary infections, blindness, infertility, and is often fatal.
- Antibiotic treatment can destroy gut bacteria essential for digesting eucalyptus leaves.
- Chlamydia is the biggest killer of koalas, accounting for up to 50% of deaths.
- The single-dose vaccine reduces symptoms and mortality by at least 65%.
- Rollout is planned for early next year, starting with wildlife hospitals and high-risk populations.
- Funding is needed for widespread distribution and catching wild koalas for vaccination.
- Habitat loss remains the primary threat to koalas, alongside disease.