New discovery offers hope for saving Australia’s koalas


A groundbreaking new discovery could help save the Australian koala, one of the nation’s most beloved animals.

Researchers have found koalas from a population north of the Brisbane River have developed a unique genetic immunity to the deadly koala retrovirus, offering new hope for the species’ survival.

The retrovirus weakens the koala’s immune system, making them vulnerable to infections such as chlamydia which has devastated populations across Queensland and New South Wales.

Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today Download today

Chlamydia causes blindness, urinary tract infections and infertility, further threatening koala populations already struggling with habitat loss.

But this new research, led by experts from The University of Queensland and UMass Chan Medical School, shows about 30 per cent of koalas in the Sunshine Coast hinterland have evolved a genomic adaptation that suppresses the retrovirus.

“This genetic switch could help us reduce rates of chlamydia and other health issues linked to the retrovirus,” UQ’s Australian Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology Professor Keith Chappell said.

This “genomic immunity” is inherited, meaning it could be passed down to future generations.

Dr Michaela Blyton says this immunity can be used in breeding programs to save the koala.Dr Michaela Blyton says this immunity can be used in breeding programs to save the koala.
Dr Michaela Blyton says this immunity can be used in breeding programs to save the koala. Credit: Getty Images

Research leader Dr Michaela Blyton said: “Koalas with this trait could be used in breeding programs to help protect other populations.”

The researchers hope this significant finding will give koalas from affected areas a stronger chance at survival, and provide a crucial step toward safeguarding the future of Australia’s iconic marsupial.



Source link

spot_imgspot_img

Subscribe

Related articles

spot_imgspot_img

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

sixteen − 3 =