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.
To find out more about the work we do, and the impact on our koala population, read on.
A patient of ours - no visible injuries, but large puncture wounds all over the body were found under examination. The internal injuries were so great, he could not be saved.
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). Further information on this infection is below.
- 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
A patient brought to us after a dog attack. He did not survive.
Bacterial Infections
A dog bite on a koala does more than an immediate physical injury to the koala. Dog bites inflict 3 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 look mostly unharmed after a dog attack, with only minor visible injuries. However, a dangerous infection could be silently advancing within its body (Tribe et al., 2014). By the time symptoms like lethargy, loss of appetite, fever, or swelling become evident, the infection could be well-established and difficult to treat.
Imagine Pasteurella multocida, a bacterium brimming with pathogenic potential, capable of causing severe harm within a koala's body. This microscopic threat can lead to a range of serious conditions, including cellulitis, abscesses, pneumonia, and septicemia. In extreme cases, it may even reach the central nervous system, resulting in meningitis (Garcia et al., 2020)
The other two bacterial groups, Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp., are equally dangerous. Much like their Pasteurella counterpart, they can trigger a range of infections, rapidly spreading throughout the body. From seemingly minor wound infections to the severe complications of septicemia, their effects can be devastating.
Urgent vet treatment is required for all dog attacks. No exceptions.
Eliza was attacked by a dog and spent a week undergoing vet medical care. She was successfully released to the wild.
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.
When koalas are attacked by dogs, the injuries are often so severe that veterinarians face the heartbreaking decision of euthanasia. A study by Lunney et al. (2012) revealed that in many cases, euthanasia was necessary due to the extent of the injuries or the poor quality of life the koala would face even with treatment. The researchers found that many koalas brought in after dog attacks were in such critical condition that euthanasia was the most humane option. Similarly, Rhodes et al. (2011) reported that around 40% of koalas admitted to hospitals after dog attacks either died at the scene or shortly after, underscoring the severity of these incidents
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.
When koalas are attacked by dogs, the injuries are often so severe that veterinarians face the heartbreaking decision of euthanasia. A study by Lunney et al. (2012) revealed that in many cases, euthanasia was necessary due to the extent of the injuries or the poor quality of life the koala would face even with treatment. The researchers found that many koalas brought in after dog attacks were in such critical condition that euthanasia was the most humane option. Similarly, Rhodes et al. (2011) reported that around 40% of koalas admitted to hospitals after dog attacks either died at the scene or shortly after, underscoring the severity of these incidents
Hannah, who did survive a dog attack after weeks in care with us. She also had a joey in her pouch.
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Matted coat on stomach is dog saliva, and indicative of where the puncture wounds are.
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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.
This joey was attacked by 2 dogs on a private property. Despite intensive care, she did not survive her injuries. The owners believed their dogs would not hurt koalas.
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.
Kimmy the koala - she jumped onto a dog! She was uninjured. We don't know what happened to the dog.
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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.
