For koalas, uncontrolled chlamydia can cause blindness and painful cysts in a animal's reproductive tract that may lead to infertility or even death. Now, about 85% of that koala population is infected with the virus, Krockenberger said. There are two varieties of chlamydia in Australian koalas, one of which, chlamydia pecorum, is almost entirely responsible for the most severe cases of the disease in the population. A sign warning motorists about koalas stands in front of burned bushland near the town of Bilpin, New South Wales, Australia, on Sunday, December 29, 2019. JUST WATCHED Fires threaten koalas in New South Wales Replay More Videos ... MUST WATCH Fires threaten koalas in New South Wales 02:22Chlamydia vaccine trials for koalasBut help could be on the way for Australia's koalas.

Source: CNN November 07, 2021 06:35 UTC