Are you aware of Ehrlichiosis?
Blood-borne parasite…
Ehrlichiosis is a tick-borne disease is found in many other tropical and sub-tropical countries around the world but has also been found some domesticated dogs living in a remote region of Western Australia. In mid 2020, these were the first known cases in Australia. Canine Ehrlichiosis is a nationally notifiable disease.
Whilst at the time this blog was written Canine Ehrlichiosis has not yet been reported in Queensland authorities ask us to use extra vigilance in checking our dogs for ticks and to make sure they are on a tick control program.
This disease is spread when the Rhipicephalus Sanguineus (brown dog tick) bites the dog. The infection can severely affect the dog’s immune system. Early treatment is the best practice. The blood-borne parasite attaches to the white blood cells.
Clinical symptoms often show in week 1 to 3 after being bitten. In the initial phase when the bacteria first take hold associated signs such as fever, lethargy, swollen lymph nodes and flu symptoms can present. This acute phase it usually treated with antibiotics.
The disease itself is not transmitted between dogs unless a blood transfusion has been received from an infected dog. It does not transfer from dog to human, however if a human is bitten by an infected tick, they can contract the disease.
Dog owners and dog health care professionals have a general biosecurity obligation to be aware of Ehrichiosis and should take caution receiving dogs which have been in W.A. or N.T. Read the current conditions for dog control movement and keep a close eye on the media for updates.
Anyone suspecting Ehrilichiosis in any dog should contact Emergency Animal watch Hotline on 1800 675 888 or Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23
More information can be found here…
Leah & Angela OMeara
Hound Dog Day Care (Specialists in Dog Minding & Dog Boarding, Pet Sitting Brisbane & Doggy Day Care Brisbane)