Wildlife experts have described a strain of bacteria spreading in Australia’s koala population that threatens the koala’s life. Sexually transmitted chlamydia, which infects more than 100 million people worldwide every year and causes infertility in humans if untreated, also has negative effects on the life of koalas.
Chlamydia bacteria are common in koala populations. reproductive and social behaviors spreads through However, it is sometimes seen in baby koalas that it is passed directly from their mothers. This type of bacteria; In koalas, it can cause disruption of the reproductive system, blindness that can result in death, and painful cysts. Antibiotics used in the treatment of the disease can destroy the sensitive intestinal flora that koalas consume from eucalyptus leaves, which is the main food, so they will starve even after treatment. to their death why could it be.
According to the University of Sydney, in koala populations in some areas infection rates It can go up to 100% which makes them completely neutered. Experts say that this condition, which is common in Gunnedah, is also common among koala populations in Australia. increasingly stated to be effective. Experts say that increasing rates of forest fires and deforestation in recent years have also contributed to the survival of populations that are vulnerable to habitat loss. that you threaten stressed.
Bacteria is spreading fast
A study published in the Journal of Applied Ecology in March 2018 highlights the bacterium’s deadly potential. Of the 291 koalas studied over four years, 18% had chlamydia or related complications. lost his life appeared. This disease is the cause of death of koalas after animal attacks. highest was the cause of death. Chlamydia is spreading rapidly among koalas, and climate change is accelerating this process. The climate crisis’s koalas in the region; against drought and heat waves more vulnerable and against disease more sensitive observed to have. Australian government report finds koalas are overly stressed environmental conditions It has been noted that chlamydia spreads faster among their populations when exposed to
According to Professor Mark Krockenberger, the koala population in Gunnedah, a rural town in New South Wales, 10% off There was a spread. By 2015, this rate is to 60% rose up. The research conducted in 2021 revealed that this koala population is approximately 85% of proved to be infected with bacteria. The professor said that, given the rate of spread of the bacterium, this population is now can’t live stated. Even if individuals infected with chlamydia do not die, cannot reproduce for the coming years population will disappear.
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Scientists against chlamydia to protect koalas whose lives are in danger vaccine studies doing. Krockenberger “If we do not get results from these vaccine studies, we face a very high risk, mass extinctions livable” said.
Source :
https://edition.cnn.com/2021/11/06/australia/australia-koala-chlamydia-intl-dst-hnk/index.html