Saving Australia’s koalas: a breakthrough vaccine for an endangered icon | UniSC

"At Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital, our mission has always been to protect and care for Australia’s precious wildlife. Koalas, one of our most iconic and beloved species, have faced devastating challenges. From habitat destruction and bushfires to the heartbreaking impact of chlamydial disease. That’s why we are incredibly proud to have played a vital role in the Phase III trials of the groundbreaking chlamydia vaccine developed by Professor Peter Timms and his team at the University of Sunshine Coast.

Peter’s dedication to koala health is nothing short of inspiring. His work has not only led to a safe vaccine, but it has now been officially approved by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority, a monumental step forward in koala conservation.

At our hospital, we were honoured to support the real-world deployment of this vaccine, helping to potentially protect a high number of koalas during the largest controlled koala health study ever undertaken.

This partnership has allowed us to combine cutting-edge science with compassionate care, ensuring that sick and injured koalas receive not only treatment but also potentially long-term protection against disease. The vaccine offers hope, not just for individual animals, but for the future of the species.

We are deeply grateful to Professor Timms and the University of Sunshine Coast for their vision and perseverance. Together, we are turning the tide for koalas, and Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital is proud to be part of this historic moment in wildlife conservation."

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Dr. Terri Irwin AM - Owner, Australian Zoo

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"I am pleased to write this testimonial in recognition of Professor Peter Timms, Deputy Director of the Centre for Bioinnovation and Professor of Microbiology at the University of the Sunshine Coast.

He is a world-leading expert in chlamydial infections and vaccine development, whose work on the disastrous effects of chlamydia in koalas has been transformative.

For over a decade, Professor Timms and his research group have dedicated themselves to developing a chlamydia vaccine for koalas, looking to protect koalas during their critical reproductive years.

The achievement of Professor Timms and his team in achieving registration of a chlamydia vaccine for koalas cannot be overstated. Supported most recently by a grant from the Australian Government’s Saving Koalas Fund, the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority approved vaccine adds an important pathway for koala conservation.

Professor Timms combines scientific rigour with genuine compassion for Australia’s most iconic marsupial. His leadership has brought hope and tangible progress in the fight against chlamydial disease in koalas."

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‍Jackie Raynor - Branch Head - Biodiversity Programs Branch

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"As a veterinarian at Endeavour Veterinary Ecology, our work is deeply rooted in protecting and preserving Australia’s native wildlife, especially koalas, whose populations have been severely impacted by habitat loss, bushfires, and the devastating effects of chlamydial disease.

We were honoured to collaborate on the Chlamydia vaccine developed by Professor Peter Timms and his team at the University of the Sunshine Coast. Their commitment to koala health and conservation is truly remarkable. The vaccine, now officially approved by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority, represents a major breakthrough in wildlife disease management. Our team played a key role in the field deployment of this vaccine in phase III trials, contributing to the largest controlled koala health study ever undertaken.

This partnership has allowed us to integrate cutting-edge science into our conservation efforts, offering not just treatment but long-term protection for koalas in the wild. The vaccine is a beacon of hope, not only for individual animals but for the future of the species. It has the potential to shift the trajectory of koala conservation and, one day, help remove their “endangered” status in eastern Australia.

We are deeply grateful to Professor Timms and UniSC for their vision, innovation, and perseverance. Endeavour Veterinary Ecology is proud to have contributed to this landmark moment in wildlife conservation."

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‍Jon Hanger - Veterinarian‍