Hunter pet owners are being warned to be vigilant against a deadly dog disease affecting many parts of Australia.
Experts warn Canine Ehrlichiosis, a bacteria-borne disease transmitted by brown dog ticks, has already killed dogs in parts of Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia and Northern Territory.
Infected ticks pass the bacteria onto dogs, causing serious illness, even death.
Elanco Technical Services veterinarian Dr Liisa Ahlstrom said the disease, first detected in 2020, is at greater risk of spreading as people travel during the holidays.
In 2020 it is estimated 2.25 million dogs were taken on holiday in Australia.
“A dog can be infected within three hours of a single tick bite,” Dr Ahlstrom said.
“Unless dog owners step up their vigilance in the fight against the disease, it’s only a matter of time before it becomes even more widespread in Australia.”
The signs of ehrlichiosis vary and can include fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, discharge from the eyes and nose, weight loss, anaemia and bleeding.
“The suffering of dogs that contract ehrlichiosis can be devastating and it’s so hard to prevent transmission as it only takes one bite from an infected tick,” Dr Ahlstrom added.
“Not all infected dogs show signs of disease.”
The key to curbing the spread of the disease, Dr Ahlstrom says, is to stop ticks before they bite.
The experienced veterinarian suggests dogs are fitted with a tick-repellent collar.
The collar, she says, “repels and kills ticks on contact, so they are killed before they bite”.
Australia’s Chief Veterinarian Dr Mark Schipp said ehrlichiosis is the most serious threat to canine health in Australia in more than thirty years.
“If you own a dog it is vital that your dog is on a tick control program if living or travelling to areas where the brown dog tick is present,” he said.
“If you’re travelling with your dog, take a few simple precautions to make sure you are not putting your dog, and others, at unnecessary risk.”
Dr Schipp advises dog owners to seek advice from their vet about parasites before travel, use products that repel ticks before they have a chance to bite, check your dog for ticks regularly, and report any symptoms to a local vet immediately.
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