Thirsty Koala - A Firefighter Gives Koala A Drink (2009 Australian Bushfires)

The Southern Ash Wildlife Shelter cares for injured wildlife and did a tremendous job rehabilitating Sam the Koala until her passing from an unrelated infectious disease.Please visit their website here: http://www.samthekoala.com.au/... and consider a donation because they are literally working out of their kitchens and lounge rooms.We are all sad at the news of Sam's passing however, it's important to note that Sam was put to sleep due to a condition unrelated to the Bushfires.Her condition was 'urogenital chlamydiosis' and is caused by a infection of the intracellular bacteria in the genus Chlamydia, which is transmitted via sexual activity and also vertically to offspring. The Queensland University of Technology is developing a vaccine for the bacterial infection which is looking very promising in the trial phases.Before Green Fanatics get the chance to blame this on habitat destruction by 'invading' Europeans, let me say that researchers actually believe Chlamydia was bought into Australia by early Aboriginal tribes from Asia over 40,000 years ago. It now affects approx 50% of the Koala population. The reason Sam was put down is because as the disease develops it can become quite painful.

Channel: News & Politics
Uploaded: December 31, 1969 at 4:59 pm
Author: Curlz31

Length: 02:32
Rating: 4.9665036
Views: 1314086

Tags: Australia  Australian  Bushfires  Koala  Drink  Water  CFA  Firefighter  Bush  Fire  Victoria  Victorian  Tragedy  BushFire  Crisis  2009  February  David  Tree  Sam The Koala  

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