Koalas and Dogs
Across the world, wildlife are at risk from domestic dog attacks. Our Australian koalas, for example, suffer greatly when domestic dogs attack. We, at the Adelaide Koala and Wildlife Centre, see this first hand as we take care of numerous koalas each year, who are unfortunately victims of dog attacks. To help these injured koalas, we offer free vet care after they've been rescued. However, it's the public's kindness and donations that keep our important work going. To find out more about the work we do, and the impact on our koala population, read on.
The Grim Figures of Dog Attacks on Koalas
The somber numbers below explain the severity of dog attacks on koalas and the urgency for immediate, thorough, veterinary attention to enhance their survival prospects post such dog encounters.
• A decade-long study brought to light that 15.3% of total koala deaths were due to dog attacks, making it the third leading cause behind vehicular accidents and diseases (Rhodes et al., 2011). Regrettably, these numbers might be understated due to the unreported cases of wildlife falling prey to dogs (Sharp & Saunders, 2011).
• From a five-year study in southeast Queensland, it emerged that dog attacks contributed to 27.3% of all hospital admissions of koalas, second to disease cases alone (Rhodes et al., 2011). Approximately 40% of the attacked koalas succumbed to their injuries on-site or shortly after admission, whereas among the survivors, 66% bore superficial wounds, 30% suffered deep tissue wounds, and 4% sustained systemic injuries.
• An extensive 12-year survey in New South Wales revealed that 25.6% of koala deaths resulted from dog attacks, with the figure climbing to 44% in urban areas, showcasing the dire impact of urbanization on this concern (Lunney et al., 2012).
• During a six-year Victorian study, researchers discovered that 18% of all koala hospital admissions were due to dog attacks, with 53% of the victims ultimately losing their lives (Koala Conservation Australia, 2018). Puncture wounds and fractures, often linked with grave internal injuries, were the most prevalent afflictions.
• A decade-long study brought to light that 15.3% of total koala deaths were due to dog attacks, making it the third leading cause behind vehicular accidents and diseases (Rhodes et al., 2011). Regrettably, these numbers might be understated due to the unreported cases of wildlife falling prey to dogs (Sharp & Saunders, 2011).
• From a five-year study in southeast Queensland, it emerged that dog attacks contributed to 27.3% of all hospital admissions of koalas, second to disease cases alone (Rhodes et al., 2011). Approximately 40% of the attacked koalas succumbed to their injuries on-site or shortly after admission, whereas among the survivors, 66% bore superficial wounds, 30% suffered deep tissue wounds, and 4% sustained systemic injuries.
• An extensive 12-year survey in New South Wales revealed that 25.6% of koala deaths resulted from dog attacks, with the figure climbing to 44% in urban areas, showcasing the dire impact of urbanization on this concern (Lunney et al., 2012).
• During a six-year Victorian study, researchers discovered that 18% of all koala hospital admissions were due to dog attacks, with 53% of the victims ultimately losing their lives (Koala Conservation Australia, 2018). Puncture wounds and fractures, often linked with grave internal injuries, were the most prevalent afflictions.
The Physical Trauma – what we see at our Centre
The physical damage inflicted on koalas by dogs can be placed into three categories: superficial wounds, deep tissue wounds, and systemic injuries
- Superficial wounds encompass abrasions, contusions, or minor lacerations, typically manifesting on the koala's extremities, face, and rump. Albeit seemingly trivial, they can cause considerable distress to the animal and pave the way for bacterial infections (Goldstein et al., 2012).
- Deep tissue wounds include punctures, lacerations, and tears that infiltrate the muscle and other deeper tissues. These often compromise the koala's thorax and abdomen, occasionally leading to internal organ perforation. These wounds can also cause fractures, particularly of the ribs or leg bones (Tribe et al., 2014).
- Systemic injuries consist of extensive trauma potentially leading to shock, usually due to significant blood loss or severe organ damage. Respiratory distress can occur from internal bleeding or lung damage, while blunt force trauma might cause neurological or spinal injuries
The Menace of Bacterial Infections
A dog bite on a koala does more than an immediate physical injury to the koala. Concealed within the depths of a canine's oral cavity lie three menacing bacterial foes: Pasteurella multocida, Staphylococcus spp., and Streptococcus spp. These insidious microorganisms, known as the "silent killers," are responsible for causing fatal infections that frequently remain unnoticed until it becomes too late.
A koala might appear outwardly unharmed post a dog attack, displaying only minor visible injuries. However, within its body, a lethal infection could be surreptitiously brewing (Tribe et al., 2014). By the time symptoms like lethargy, loss of appetite, fever, or localized swelling emerge, the infection might have spread deep within, and making it difficult to combat.
Imagine Pasteurella multocida, a bacterium teeming with pathogenic potential, capable of wreaking havoc within a koala's body. This microscopic menace can trigger a cascade of devastating conditions, including cellulitis, abscesses, pneumonia, and septicemia. In some dire instances, it can even invade the central nervous system, resulting in meningitis (Garcia et al., 2020).
The other two bacterial cohorts - Staphylococcus spp., and Streptococcus spp., - are no less perilous. Akin to their Pasteurella comrade, they too can instigate a series of infections, spreading like wildfire throughout the body. From innocuous-looking wound infections to the systemic turmoil of septicemia, their impact can be profound.
Vet treatment of Koalas
Veterinary treatment for dog-attacked koalas should be immediate and thorough. This is why, every koala that has been in contact with a dog needs to be seen by a vet.
Initial wound management entails cleaning the wound, removing necrotic tissue, and closure, if deemed suitable. Providing appropriate antibiotics play a critical role in treating and preventing secondary infections. Pain relief and intravenous fluids are generally given to rectify dehydration.
Koalas that survive dog attacks often need long-term care and rehabilitation. Healing can be a long process and during this recuperation period, regular monitoring of wounds, body condition, and behaviour is vital - all done under close vet supervision.
Navigating the dire outcomes of dog attacks on koalas, veterinarians are often left with the difficult decision of euthanasia. In a comprehensive study by Lunney et al. (2012), the sobering revelation was that euthanasia was a necessary measure in many cases due to the severity of injuries or likelihood of poor quality of life post-treatment. The authors discovered that of the koalas brought into care after dog attacks, many were in such critical condition that euthanasia was the most humane choice. Rhodes et al. (2011) also noted similar findings in their research, indicating that about 40% of koalas admitted to hospitals following dog attacks resulted in death either at the scene or shortly after admission.
Veterinary treatment for dog-attacked koalas should be immediate and thorough. This is why, every koala that has been in contact with a dog needs to be seen by a vet.
Initial wound management entails cleaning the wound, removing necrotic tissue, and closure, if deemed suitable. Providing appropriate antibiotics play a critical role in treating and preventing secondary infections. Pain relief and intravenous fluids are generally given to rectify dehydration.
Koalas that survive dog attacks often need long-term care and rehabilitation. Healing can be a long process and during this recuperation period, regular monitoring of wounds, body condition, and behaviour is vital - all done under close vet supervision.
Navigating the dire outcomes of dog attacks on koalas, veterinarians are often left with the difficult decision of euthanasia. In a comprehensive study by Lunney et al. (2012), the sobering revelation was that euthanasia was a necessary measure in many cases due to the severity of injuries or likelihood of poor quality of life post-treatment. The authors discovered that of the koalas brought into care after dog attacks, many were in such critical condition that euthanasia was the most humane choice. Rhodes et al. (2011) also noted similar findings in their research, indicating that about 40% of koalas admitted to hospitals following dog attacks resulted in death either at the scene or shortly after admission.
Preventive Measures - what can be done?
Preventing dog attacks on koalas necessitates responsible pet ownership, community education, and habitat management (Lunney et al., 2012).
Preventing dog attacks on koalas necessitates responsible pet ownership, community education, and habitat management (Lunney et al., 2012).
- Responsible pet ownership is fundamental in reducing dog attacks, which entails confining dogs at night, when koalas are primarily active, and most attacks transpire (Rhodes et al., 2011). One study revealed that nighttime restrictions on free-roaming dogs in specific high-risk zones cut down koala injuries by 73% (Dique et al., 2003). An example of teaching owners of dogs about wildlife is a program such as “Leave it”, (https://www.leaveit.com.au/), a Redlands City Council (QLD) and Griffith University initiative, designed to reduce koala and dog interactions. It was introduced in 2017-2021, designed to increase koala aversion skills in dogs, and change community attitudes through training and social media. Many owners believe their dogs wouldn't hurt a koala, but dogs can and do behave differently when owners are not around.
- Community education is instrumental in prevention, with public awareness campaigns about the dangers dogs pose to koalas leading to better understanding and compliance with pet management regulations (McAlpine et al., 2015) – such as the Leave it program mentioned above, Habitat management, including establishing "no dog" zones in crucial koala regions, proves effective in reducing dog-koala interactions (Rhodes et al., 2011). The Department of Planning, Industry and Environment (NSW) created a guide for community engagement and education on the prevention of dog attacks on wildlife. Suggestions included structural options and effective communication tools for the public to create awareness of koalas such as signage, creative public art and learning activities.
- Urban planning should account for the impact of dogs on wildlife. Strategies such as wildlife-friendly fencing, road signs indicating wildlife crossings can help mitigate the risk of dog attacks (McAlpine et al., 2015). Enforcing legislation to promote responsible pet ownership, including penalties for violations, can act as an effective deterrent (Sharp & Saunders, 2011). These preventive strategies demand collective effort from pet owners, communities, and authorities to protect koalas from dog attacks.
How can you help injured koalas right now?
Dog attacks pose a formidable threat to koalas' welfare and survival. Immediate veterinary care, all-inclusive treatment plans, extended rehabilitation, and preventive measures are all integral to addressing this issue.
At AKAWC, we provide free vet care and the average cost of a koala admission after a dog attack, is estimated to cost us around $7,500 per koala. And we need your donation to help us provide this critical ongoing care. We work tirelessly to protect and heal these remarkable creatures. Yet, our resources are stretched thin as we grapple with an escalating number of cases. Your invaluable donation can support our essential veterinary services and efforts. Every contribution makes a tangible difference, giving injured koalas a fighting chance to recover and thrive.
Please consider donating today—help us safeguard these precious animals and the natural heritage they symbolize.
Thank you for your kindness and belief in our mission.
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References:
Black, L. A., et al. (2014). Antimicrobial Activity of Honey from the Stingless Bee Trigona carbonaria against Australian Bacterial Pathogens. *PLOS ONE*, 9(7), e103634.
Dique, D. S., et al. (2003). Koala mortality on roads in south-east Queensland: The koala speed-zone trial. *Wildlife Research*, 30(4), 419–42.
Ellis, W., et al. (2010). The role of bioacoustic signals in koala sexual selection: Insights from seasonal patterns of associations revealed with GPSProximity units. *PLoS ONE*, 5(8), e11366.
Garcia, A. L. M., et al. (2020). Pasteurella multocida—Infections and Genomic Structure. *Microorganisms*, 8(2), 270.
Goldstein, E. J. C., et al. (2012). Bite wound infections. In *Clinical Infectious Diseases*, 54(3), 364–366.
Koala Conservation Australia (2018). Annual Report. Koala Hospital, Port Macquarie.
Lunney, D., et al. (2012). Koalas and the community: local attitudes and perceptions. In: *Conserving central Queensland's koalas*. Koala Rsearch Centre of Central Queensland, Rockhampton, Australia, 17–35.
Rhodes, J. R., et al. (2011). Using integrated population modelling to quantify the implications of multiple threatening processes for a rapidly declining population. *Biological Conservation*, 144(3), 1081–1088.
Sharp, T., & Saunders, G. (2011). A model for assessing the relative humaneness of pest animal control methods. *Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Canberra*.
Thomson, G. R., et al. (2016). Monitoring bacterial genetic resistance to the marsupial antimicrobial peptide, macropin. *Scientific Reports*, 6, 32914.
Tribe, A., et al. (2014). *Koala Hospital*. HarperCollins Publishers.
Black, L. A., et al. (2014). Antimicrobial Activity of Honey from the Stingless Bee Trigona carbonaria against Australian Bacterial Pathogens. *PLOS ONE*, 9(7), e103634.
Dique, D. S., et al. (2003). Koala mortality on roads in south-east Queensland: The koala speed-zone trial. *Wildlife Research*, 30(4), 419–42.
Ellis, W., et al. (2010). The role of bioacoustic signals in koala sexual selection: Insights from seasonal patterns of associations revealed with GPSProximity units. *PLoS ONE*, 5(8), e11366.
Garcia, A. L. M., et al. (2020). Pasteurella multocida—Infections and Genomic Structure. *Microorganisms*, 8(2), 270.
Goldstein, E. J. C., et al. (2012). Bite wound infections. In *Clinical Infectious Diseases*, 54(3), 364–366.
Koala Conservation Australia (2018). Annual Report. Koala Hospital, Port Macquarie.
Lunney, D., et al. (2012). Koalas and the community: local attitudes and perceptions. In: *Conserving central Queensland's koalas*. Koala Rsearch Centre of Central Queensland, Rockhampton, Australia, 17–35.
Rhodes, J. R., et al. (2011). Using integrated population modelling to quantify the implications of multiple threatening processes for a rapidly declining population. *Biological Conservation*, 144(3), 1081–1088.
Sharp, T., & Saunders, G. (2011). A model for assessing the relative humaneness of pest animal control methods. *Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Canberra*.
Thomson, G. R., et al. (2016). Monitoring bacterial genetic resistance to the marsupial antimicrobial peptide, macropin. *Scientific Reports*, 6, 32914.
Tribe, A., et al. (2014). *Koala Hospital*. HarperCollins Publishers.