Retroviral invasion of the koala genome: prevalence, transmission and role in immunosuppressive disease (2010-2013)

Disease contributes significantly to the decline of most coastal koala populations. Understanding factors that predispose koalas to disease is essential to management of the valuable remnant populations necessary for the viability of this ecologically and economically important species. This project will establish the immunosuppressive potential of koala retrovirus, its prevalence in the country and its transmission behaviour among koalas. This multi-disciplinary research will investigate effective approaches to controlling the virus and improve management of disease in captive and wild koala populations. At an international level, our work will continue to make a leading contribution to the understanding of retroviral biology. '',