Share this @internewscast.com

A breakthrough vaccine for a common sexually transmitted disease has provided fresh hope for Australia’s most beloved endangered animal — and maybe a blueprint for human use.
Researchers at the University of the Sunshine Coast spent more than a decade developing a single-use vaccine for chlamydia in koalas.
After habitat loss and vehicle strikes, chlamydia is one of the main threats to koala populations, leading to blindness, pneumonia, urinary and reproductive tract infections, infertility and death.

Professor Peter Timms from the university’s Centre for Bioinnovation stated, “Chlamydial disease impacts over half of all koala populations, thus a new solution is necessary.”

The vaccine has been approved by the national regulator, the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medical Authority.
Timms said studies on koala populations using the vaccine over a 10-year period had shown reduced rates of disease and improved health outcomes, particularly for animals of breeding age.
He hoped the vaccine would begin to be rolled out early in 2026, starting with koalas in wildlife hospitals before progressing to wild populations.
Timms said there was evidence that koalas became more vulnerable to chlamydia outbreaks because of long-term stress caused by habitat loss, bushfires and drought.

“We have got examples in places like northern NSW where chlamydia infection levels have gone from very low to nearly 80 (per cent),” he said.

While increased rates of chlamydial disease were related to fragmentation of koala populations due to land clearing, Timms said habitat loss remained the greatest threat to the koala’s survival overall.
“The problem with trees is that it takes a long time for them to grow, whereas a vaccine for chlamydial treatment can work immediately,” he said.

Timms said the development of the vaccine had the potential to help in the fight against chlamydia in humans.

The World Health Organization estimated that in 2020, there were more than 128 million new infections among people aged 15-49 globally.
“The rest of the world is interested in what we’re doing in the koala space, so there’s lessons to be learned from a koala vaccine that could be translated across to vaccines in humans as well,” Timms said.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
ADF to join search for missing boy Gus in remote SA

Australian Defence Force Aids in Search Effort for Missing Boy Gus in Remote South Australia

The military will join the desperate search for a young boy missing…
US President Donald Trump keeps posting what appears to be an AI-generated video of a man in a sombrero and moustache — but why?

Why is Trump frequently sharing this misleading video of a man in a sombrero and mustache?

US President Donald Trump keeps posting what appears to be an AI-generated…

Is Your Sunscreen Safe? Key Insights Amid Australia’s SPF Ratings Controversy

Australia is currently facing a sunscreen dilemma, as the Therapeutic Goods Administration…
Adelaide's Dry Creek Wetlands crash

“Truck Drivers Save Man from Burning Car: ‘He Owes Us a Beer.'”

A brave truck driver recounted the moment he and a coworker stepped…

Lawyer states Erin Patterson to contest murder convictions linked to fatal mushroom lunch

Patterson’s attorneys have a period of 28 days to file the necessary…
Children found alive beneath rubble of collapsed Indonesian school

Children Rescued Alive from Rubble of Collapsed Indonesian School

Indonesian rescue teams are frantically searching for scores of young students buried…
Israeli military intercept and board several aid ships bound for Gaza, including Greta Thunberg's

Israeli Military Intercepts and Boards Multiple Gaza-Bound Aid Ships, Including One with Greta Thunberg

At least six Australians have been involved in the interception by Israel…
Cars in traffic during dusk, showcasing headlights and city lights, with a blurred background reflecting urban life

The Headlight Mistake That Might Cost You $1,000

In 2025, many Australians will unknowingly drive with their high beams on,…

“Controversy Ignites Over the Lost Dogs Home’s Decision to Euthanize Puppies”

Victoria’s Lost Dogs Home has stood by its decision to euthanise a…
Global Sumud Flotilla

Australian Activists Detained Following Israeli Navy’s Interception of Gaza Aid Flotilla

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) stated that it is…

Unexpected Twist: Lunch Prep Takes a Surprising Turn as I Start Feeling Ill

Insight speaks with tech enthusiasts and abstainers, and those experiencing tech addictions…

Albanese Applauds PNG’s Agreement on Historic Defense Deal

The Pukpuk treaty, named after the local word for crocodile, includes a…