Incidence, trends, and significance of putative koala retrovirus-associated diseases in monitored wild koala populations in southeast Queensland. In Proceedings of the Second Koala Retrovirus Workshop, ed. D. E. Alquezar-Planas, D. P. Higgins, C. L. Singleton, and A. D. Greenwood

Research indicates that northern koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) are ubiquitously infected with koala retrovirus (KoRV). There is increasing evidence linking KoRV neoplasia and a range of disorders associated immunodeficiency, conditions observed at high rates in captive colonies, sick presenting to wildlife hospitals. However, less known about the occurrence these putative KoRV-associated diseases wild populations. We analysed health data collected veterinary examinations 691 inhabiting three monitored populations southeast Queensland between 2013 2020. At initial presentation, AIDS-like syndrome were detected prevalence 1.16% (8/691; 95% CI 0.5–2.19%). Longitudinal from recruited into monitoring programmes receiving one or more subsequent examination revealed an incidence rate 3.5 cases/100 koalas/year (95% 2.35–4.9). These findings indicate relatively small proportion studied affected by diseases. impact on individuals was severe, mortality diseased cohort. Furthermore, endure multiple threats, suffering severe declines recent decades. propose significance should be considered within this context further research interactions other drivers decline warranted.