About 400 Australian bears to be vaccinated against chlamydia

 About 400 Australian bears will be vaccinated against chlamydia as part of a trial that researchers say they hope could play a key role in the animal's long-term survival.

Chlamydia, a sexually transmitted disease also found in humans, is widespread among Australian bears, affecting half of the animals in some areas.

Amber Gillett, a veterinarian at the Australian Zoo Hospital and research coordinator, said in a statement on Friday: "It is a vicious disease that causes inflammation of the mucous membranes, infection of the bladder. And sometimes having children. ”Researchers say it is a bacterial disease that can be passed from mother to newborn and can also cause blindness.

Each cola bear will receive a dose of the vaccine and will be microwaved before being released into the wild.