Koalas are suffering from chlamydia. In some areas of Australia, as many as two-thirds of koalas have the disease. And it's not benign:
chlamydia can lead to emaciation, infertility, and death. Some infected animals develop inflamed bladders and urinary incontinence, while others eventually go blind, after first suffering from red, watery eyes.
In fact, out of all diseases impacting koalas, chlamydia is the one researchers are most worried about. And since koalas are also endangered in parts of Australia, this is a very serious issue.
But chlamydia in koalas is difficult to treat. One vaccine exists and another is currently in trials, but some experts say an even stronger vaccine is still necessary. Sign the petition to demand increased investment in research to promote koalas' health!Chlamydia spreads when koalas mate, or even when they're simply in close contact with each other. And since we want to make sure koalas continue for many more generations into the future, it's important that we help them survive this serious challenge.
Researchers have tried a variety of ways to combat chlamydia in koalas. While antibiotics work well in humans, koalas' sensitive gut biomes can respond badly. And, alarmingly, some strains of the disease are now resistant to antibiotics!
So, scientists have been working on developing vaccines to help. One is currently undergoing trials around the Gold Coast, while another has already been approved by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA). This is all a great start, but some leading virologists worry that it's still not enough.
We're grateful that researchers have been trying to combat deadly chlamydia in koalas. But they need more support and more funding, in order to help save koalas before it's too late! Sign the petition! 