Koalas could soon have a jab to protect them from the devastating chlamydia virus, under a NSW plan to help the cute but endangered marsupials live longer, healthier lives.
A clinical trial for a chlamydia vaccine is underway in southwest Sydney as part of a nearly $200 million statewide koala investment strategy.
Koala carers, Campbelltown and Wollondilly council and the University of Sydney teams involved in the chlamydia vaccine trial will be able to use a new rapid chlamydia testing machine to minimise the time koalas are in care.
Environment Minister James Griffin said the southwest Sydney region was chosen as it is home to one of the few growing koala populations in NSW.
"Chlamydia is a serious issue for koalas, leading to blindness, infections and infertility in this precious species. This disease weakens koalas and can make them more susceptible to dog attacks and other threats," Mr Griffin said.
The state government earlier this year announced a nearly $200 million spend as part of its NSW Koala Strategy to boost habitat conservation, remove threats and build knowledge on the tree-dwelling marsupial which is now endangered.
Earlier in the week, the government released a conservation plan it says will fast-track development in western Sydney while protecting koala habitats.
Planning in western Sydney recently came under fire from scientists warning disease-free koala populations were put at risk by a new housing estate near Campbelltown, which they claimed lacked environmental safeguards.
