Urgent alert for Aussie dog owners

Ehrlichiosis, which is transmitted through the bite of a bacterium-carrying parasite called the ‘brown dog tick’, has been discovered in a dog in Victoria that had travelled to the state from the Northern Territory.

The parasite is widespread in warmer and humid parts of Australia and its bite is potentially fatal for dogs.

The disease was first found in Australia in May last year in the Kimberley region of Western Australia.

Since this time, the disease has spread rapidly, and is believed to be responsible for the deaths of nearly 1000 dogs.

The disease has spread to most states and territories across Australia and there are now growing fears for dogs in Victoria, with no vaccine currently available.

However, to date, no dog originating from Victoria has tested positive to ehrlichiosis.

Symptoms of the disease include fever, decreased appetite, lethargy, bleeding and in more severe cases, rapid weight loss, swollen limbs, difficulty breathing and blindness.

Dogs can die of septicaemia or they can bleed uncontrollably, which can also lead to death.

Victoria’s Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Graeme Cooke urged dog owners to be extra vigilant if they had travelled interstate with their dog.

“With dogs travelling readily around Australia, we need to be particularly mindful of these symptoms if they have come from another state or territory with confirmed cases and brown dog ticks present,” Dr Cooke said.

“​Reduce the risk of bringing the disease into Victoria by adopting or purchasing dogs within the state and avoid bringing dogs into Victoria.

“Protect your dogs from ehrlichiosis by regularly checking them for ticks, using effective tick control and seeking veterinary advice promptly if they become unwell.”

Infected dogs can be saved with antibiotics, if they are treated early.

Dr Cooke urged dog owners to regularly check their pet for ticks by running their fingers through their coat, on the skin, and thoroughly checking around the head, neck, ears, chest, between their toes and around their mouth and gums.

“If your dog is unwell or you find any abnormal bumps or ticks, make sure you promptly arrange to take your dog to your vet. Discuss with your vet the testing system in place for ehrlichiosis in Victoria,” he said

“Put a tick in a clean ziplock bag and take it to your local veterinarian to submit for identification. Freeze the bag with the tick first if you cannot take it to a vet immediately. If you are unsure about what is an appropriate tick control product to use, then consult your veterinary advisor.”

Ehrlichiosis is a notifiable disease in Victoria, which means it must be reported to the Emergency Animal Disease Watch Hotline on 1800 675 888 when suspected.