Following over a decade of research, scientists from Australia’s University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC) have successfully created a vaccine approved to help stave off chlamydia infection among the native koala population. The one-dose shot was finally approved by Australia’s veterinary medicine regulator in September.
Chlamydia Is Widespread Amongst Koalas
Chlamydia is spread throughout Koala populations via close contact or mating between the animals. Also found in humans, albeit a different strain, chlamydia has become widespread in many koala colonies living throughout Australia. Some populations have up to a 70% infection rate, according to Peter Timms, a professor of microbiology and leader of the research that went into the creation of the vaccine.
TO GO WITH “Australian scientists to give koalas healthy vaccine shot” (University of the Sunshine Coast/Handout via Xinhua)
The venereal disease causes blindness and infertility in koalas, and has helped push koalas into the endangered species list over the past two decades. Estimates greatly vary on how many koalas are left in Australia, but research shows that number has been at least cut in half since 2005.
Koalas Face Multiple Challenges
Other factors such as rampant wildfires, climate change, and resulting habitat loss have also played a part in the reduction of the wild koala population across Australia. Researches, though, are hoping this new vaccine helps the iconic animal rebound.
The one-dose vaccine was found to reduce the likelihood of koalas developing symptoms to chlamydia, including death, by 65%. Scientists are hoping to deploy the new vaccine for free starting in January 2026. They will first begin distributing the shot at wildlife hospitals and koala populations that are most at risk for catching the disease.
