First koala chlamydia vaccine approved
The first vaccine to protect the threatened koalas from chlamydia was officially approved in Australia. The vaccine was developed by the Division of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Sunshine Coast (UNISC) in eastern Australia and is another step towards the survival of the marsupial.
The team has spent more than a decade developing the vaccine to protect animals from the disease, which can cause urinary tract infections, blindness, infertility and, in some cases, death.
“The UNISC knew a single dose vaccine, without the need for a booster – was the response to the reduction of the rapid and devastating spread of this disease, which represents up to half of Koala’s deaths through wild populations,” said microbiologist Peter Timms in a press release. “Certain individual wild colonies, where the rate of infection can reach 70%, is close to extinction every day.”
Koala Chlamydia’s epidemic
Chlamyida has spread to the populations of the marsupial since the 1990s. Koalas along the coasts of East Australia and Southeast have been particularly affected, some populations with infection rates up to 100%. Some estimates have put Chlamydia’s mortality at 50% at 50%. With around 50,000 to 80,000 koalas in the wild, there are fears that they can go out in certain parts of Australia in a generation.
Marsupiaux are infected with a different strain of disease than humans. It is generally transmitted by close contact or coupling and men and women can contract it. Koalas, or Joeys babies can also catch the disease by feeding in their mother’s pocket.
Although treatments are available via antibiotics, they can be fatal. Antibiotics can destroy intestinal bacteria. Without these intestinal bacteria, it is difficult or impossible for marsupials to digest their main source of food leaves – eucalyptus. This can lead to famine and death in some cases. Antibiotics do not prevent future infections as well as vaccines can.
Road to a jab
The team used more than 10 years of clinical data from various vaccine trials to propose this unique shooting solution, including a large study by wild Koalas published in 2024.
“This study revealed that this reduced the probability that Koalas develop symptoms of Chlamydia during the reproduction age and reduced mortality of the disease in wild populations of at least 65%,” added Sam Phillips, a United Molecular Microbiologist who led the study in the field. “The vaccine has been tested on hundreds of wild koalas, others in captivity and fauna hospitals, and over several generations.”
[ Related: Wild koalas are getting vaccinated against chlamydia. ]
The vaccine itself is based on the Chlamydia Pecorum Main external membrane protein (MOMP) and three crucial protective levels. It reduces infection, prevents its progression to clinical disease (when a disease has recognizable signs and symptoms) and can reverse the existing symptoms in certain cases.
Developing the vaccine has also been a global effort. It uses an ingredient which contributes to creating a stronger immune response called adjuvant which was initially developed by the organization of vaccines and infectious diseases of the Saskatchewan University of Saskatchewan, the International Institute of Vaccines, the University of British Columbia and the University of Dalhousie, with funding from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The Morris Animal Foundation, Rane Pharma, Canada and Global Animal Health Company Ceva Animal Health has also contributed.
Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital, belonging to the Fire family “Crocodile Hunter” Steve Irwin, also contributed to vaccination trials.
“These trials involved Koalas’ vaccination under real conditions, allowing researchers to collect precious data on the potential advantages of the vaccine,” said Terra Irwin, conservationist. “This partnership has enabled us to combine scientific research with compassion care by helping the sick and injured Koalas, while raising awareness of the wider threats to which they are confronted in the wild, including the loss of habitat. Together, we transform the trend of the Koalas, and the Wildlife Warriors are proud to be part of this important work in the conservation of wildlife. ”
Following steps
Although the vaccine is exciting, the other factors leading the Koalas to extinction should be addressed. The loss of habitat due to climate change, forest fires and human encroachment is their main threats.
The team hopes to provide the vaccine for free and the deployment could start in January 2026. Wildlife hospitals and the most at risk will be the priority. Funding and major donations to ensure that the vaccine can be deployed across Australia is also necessary.
“We also continue to refine the product and conduct in progress research to ensure the long -term success of the vaccine,” said Timms.
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