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Nationwide chlamydia vaccine offers new hope for koalas

• Local Pest Co

Australia has approved the first nationwide rollout of a koala chlamydia vaccine, a breakthrough that could help reverse the species’ decline. Developed by the University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC), the single-dose vaccine reduces chlamydia-related mortality in wild populations by at least 65% while preventing debilitating symptoms during breeding age 1.

Why koalas need urgent protection

Koalas across Queensland, New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory were listed as endangered in 2022. South-east Queensland’s wild population has dropped below 16,000 due to habitat loss, vehicle strikes, dog attacks and widespread chlamydia infections 1. Recent research underscores how disease and environmental pressures together are pushing the species toward extinction 2.

What the vaccine means for conservation

The UniSC vaccine’s single-dose design makes it practical for use in the wild, unlike two-dose alternatives. Researchers and conservation groups are urging government support to deliver the vaccine to at-risk koala populations in Queensland and New South Wales by the end of 2026 1. A successful rollout could turn the tide for struggling colonies and keep this iconic marsupial on the landscape for generations.

References

  1. Shorthouse, J., & Ross, J. (2025, September 10). First koala chlamydia vaccine approved for rollout across Australia. ABC News. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-09-10/koala-chlamydia-vaccine-approved-for-australia-wide-rollout/105747236 ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎

  2. Phillips, S., Hanger, J., Grosmaire, J., Mehdi, A., Jelocnik, M., Wong, J., & Timms, P. (2024). Immunisation of koalas against Chlamydia pecorum results in significant protection against chlamydial disease and mortality. NPJ Vaccines. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41541-024-00938-5 ↩︎

Prefer to chat? Call 0405 508 035.

Need pests gone? Call me on 0405 508 035 or email [email protected].

I'm based at 23 Dinsey Street, Kingscliff NSW 2487.

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