Koalas are cute, furry, iconic – and dying of chlamydia. But how well does the approved vaccine work?
Koalas are severely threatened by chlamydia, with high infection rates causing infertility and blindness in some populations. While an approved vaccine exists, its efficacy is being questioned by researchers who claim a published study over-inflates its effectiveness due to a 'silly mistake,' despite the regulator standing by its decision.
Why it matters
The effectiveness of the chlamydia vaccine is crucial for the survival of endangered koala populations, and disputes over scientific data can significantly impact conservation efforts and public trust in regulatory approvals.
Infection rates vary geographically, but in some koala populations the prevalence of chlamydia is as high as two in three. Infection rates vary geographically, but in some koala populations the prevalence of chlamydia is as high as two in three. Wildlife Koalas are cute, furry, iconic – and dying of chlamydia. But how well does the approved vaccine work? Queensland researchers say a published study contains ‘silly mistake’ that over-inflates vaccine’s efficacy, but the regulator is standing by decision to approve it
Prefer the Guardian on Google A t wildlife hospitals across eastern Australia, many koalas brought in have distinctive brown patches on their bottoms – a sign of urinary incontinence and a painful inflamed bladder. Others have red, weeping eyes, pointing to a bacterial disease that can cause blindness in the endangered marsupials.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in