Do koalas have stds?

In people, chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted disease. A different strain infects koalas, but it too can be spread sexually, and it's causing a devastating epidemic. In some parts of Australia, koala infection rates are as high as 90%. read more

Fortunately, there is a vaccine available that seems to work on female koalas. Unfortunately, C. pneumoniae can be transmitted to humans. Koala's incredible cuteness works on the disease's behalf. People enjoy picking them up, but like many tree-dwelling animals, koalas don't much care where they urinate. read more

Chlamydia is dormant in the koala’s system, as chicken pox is in ours if we have been exposed. Historically it is thought that chlamydia was a defence against overpopulation. These days chlamydia is activated by stress in koalas due to human activity, such as deforestation, urbanisation and domestic dogs. read more