The Australian Government has formally approved the use of a single-dose vaccine designed to combat chlamydia in koalas. The disease, which has severely threatened koala populations by causing infertility, blindness, and early death, has been one of the greatest challenges to the survival of this iconic species.
Developed over more than a decade by researchers at the University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC), in collaboration with wildlife hospitals and conservation groups, the vaccine is reported to reduce symptomatic cases and mortality by approximately 65%.
The vaccine will now be rolled out through wildlife hospitals, conservation programs, and field projects, marking a historic achievement in veterinary innovation and biodiversity protection.
Experts believe this development not only strengthens conservation of koalas in Australia but also sets a global precedent in the application of veterinary science to wildlife health and zoonotic disease management.