Koala threatens, the light that protects that disease that humans also infect

Photographed by Tetsuo Kogure, a wild koala on a eucalyptus tree, Hanson Bay Wildlife Reserve, Kangaroo Island, southern Australia

[PR]

Australia's symbolic koala suffers from an unexpected illness. Humans are also affected by Chlamydia. In the case of a koala, it is life-threatening. People continue to strive to protect the adorable forest idol, which is just as popular as kangaroos among the animals that live in the country. (Port Macquarie <Eastern Australia> = Tetsuo Kogure)

Port Macquarie, about 400 km northeast of Sydney. Wild female koala was wrapped in a blanket at the examination table of the world's only koala specialty hospital. The eyes are inflamed and have been transported by car from inland mountain villages.

“I have conjunctivitis and my heart rate is low, and my body temperature has dropped considerably. Shein Flanagan's medical department manager has a severe expression. Koala conjunctivitis is strongly suspected to be chlamydia. The koala also has dehydration, is given electrolyzed water, and may have urinary, genital or kidney disease.

Dr. Shane Flanagan (Director), listening to the situation where Koala was found at Koala Special Hospital. Infected with Chlamydia, body temperature fell and was wrapped in a blanket = Photo taken by Port Macquarie, Southeastern Australia, Tetsuo Kogure

Koala Hospital was founded in 1973 by a couple of shopkeepers in this town close to the main habitat. 200-250 animals are transported annually. Chlamydia infection accounts for 50-60% of the total, even in cases such as being hit by a car or attacked by a wild dog.

Koala's Chlamydia, which is transmitted mainly through sexual intercourse, is a serious illness that affects the preservation of species, as it often causes blindness if left conjunctivitis, and females often become infertile. Even in Chlamydiaceae bacteria, koalas can be infected by a different type than those that move to humans.

Koala is one of the “endangered species” and “endangered species” in the list of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Is there a way to save it?

Conjunctivitis can be cured with eye drops and returned to the wild if detected early. However, drugs for diseases of the urinary / genital tract have the side effect of depriving Koala's unique intestinal function, which detoxifies the poison contained in the leaves of eucalyptus. There is no specific medicine, and if the symptoms cannot be improved with drugs, the fact is that the only thing that can be done is to finish the life in the hospital.

Flanagan, Chlamydia ...