A pioneering vaccine trial on the Gold Coast is offering a glimmer of hope for one of Australia’s beloved yet endangered species, the koala. In the suburb of Elanora, a staggering 80 per cent of koalas are afflicted with chlamydia, a disease that poses a severe threat to their survival. A parliamentary inquiry has warned that without intervention, koalas could face extinction by 2050.
The primary dangers to koala populations include habitat loss, alongside the increasing prevalence of chlamydia. However, recent advancements in vaccination efforts are shifting the paradigm. Currently, 40 young koalas are being monitored in the wild after receiving an innovative vaccine specifically designed to combat chlamydia.
The program, run by Currumbin Wildlife Hospital, meticulously tracks the breeding patterns of these vaccinated koalas, aiming to reverse the decline in their numbers and secure their future. With ongoing efforts and community support, there is renewed optimism for the survival of this iconic Australian species.