Canine Ehrlichiosis Spreads Across Northern Australia, Vets Issue Warning
DARWIN, AUSTRALIA – Veterinarians across northern Australia are alerting dog owners to the increasing prevalence of canine ehrlichiosis, a potentially fatal tick-borne disease. The disease, first detected in Western Australia in 2020 and afterward identified in Queensland in 2022, has now spread to the Northern territory and South Australia, posing a growing threat to canine health.
Ehrlichiosis, caused by bacteria transmitted through the bite of the brown dog tick, is now considered endemic in parts of Australia, meaning it no longer needs to be reported to authorities. This shift makes determining the true extent of the spread difficult, but experts warn that the disease is highly likely more widespread than current data suggests. “It’s a tick that is so well-suited to Australia,” said Dr. Ahlstrom, highlighting the challenges in controlling the disease.
The brown dog tick thrives in warmer climates and is well-adapted to the Australian environment.Initially, when ehrlichiosis arrived in Australia, suspected cases were required to be reported to veterinary authorities, allowing for initial tracking of the disease. however, with its endemic status, accurate prevalence rates are now unknown. “It was still very much kind of the tip of the iceberg because of the regions where the disease is most prevalent,” Dr. Ahlstrom explained.
Symptoms of ehrlichiosis in dogs can vary but frequently enough include fever,lethargy,loss of appetite,and bleeding disorders.Early detection and treatment with antibiotics are crucial for improving a dog’s chances of recovery. Dog owners are urged to practice preventative measures, including regular tick checks, the use of tick preventative medications, and awareness of the areas where brown dog ticks are common – generally north of a line across the continent (see map, supplied by Biosecurity Tasmania).
