Overview

• The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority authorised the UniSC-developed shot for distribution to wildlife hospitals, veterinary clinics and in-field programs nationwide.
• The single-dose vaccine targets Chlamydia pecorum’s major outer membrane protein and has shown three effects: reduced infection, blocked progression to disease, and in some cases reversal of symptoms.
• Field studies tracking hundreds of koalas reported fewer illnesses and at least a 65% reduction in disease-related mortality, with measured benefits at breeding age.
• UniSC and partners selected Tréidlia Biovet to manufacture the vaccine, with researchers seeking government and donor funding to scale production and logistics for broad deployment.
• Chlamydia accounts for up to half of wild koala deaths, with infection rates often 50–70% in parts of Queensland and New South Wales, and teams aim to reach at-risk populations by the end of 2026 after antibiotics proved inadequate.