Deadly dog disease confirmed in Queensland

The tick-borne dog disease ehrlichiosis has been confirmed in a Queensland dog. It is reported that this dog had not travelled outside of Queensland, meaning the disease has likely found its way into our local tick population.

Dogs can become sick if they are bitten by a brown dog tick infected with the bacteria that causes the disease - Ehrlichia canis (E. canis). With the wet season well underway, this is particularly important as ticks are likely to be abundant.

The brown dog tick is found across most of Australia and many dogs may be at risk of infection.

You can protect your dog and stop the spread.

Before you take your dog to, or through, an area where the brown dog tick is found:

• Ensure your dog is on an effective tick prevention and control program including an external tick control that kills brown dog ticks on contact, before the tick can attach to your dog. Speak to your veterinarian for advice about effective tick prevention and control products for your dog.

• Avoid taking your dog into tick-infested areas, such as the bush, as much as possible.

• Avoid taking your dog to areas where infected dogs or ticks may be present including shared dog areas.

• Regularly inspect your dogs for ticks and carefully remove any ticks. Run your fingers through your dog’s coat over their skin and feel for abnormal bumps. Pay particular attention to the head and neck, inside their ears, on their chest, between their toes and around their mouths and gums.

Always keep an eye on your dog’s health. If your dog has not been on a tick prevention program, is sick or has had a tick on them, talk to your vet.

Early treatment and supportive care provide an infected dog with the best chance of recovery. Talk to a vet immediately if you notice these signs in your dog:

• unusual tiredness or fatigue

• loss of appetite and weight loss

• enlarged glands (lymph nodes)

• cloudy or red eyes

• mucky eyes and nose

• pale gums

• swelling on the body or limbs

• bruising or bleeding under the skin.

If you suspect a dog is infected with E. canis you must report it to the Emergency Animal Disease Watch Hotline on 1800 675 888.

More information

To find out more about canine ehrlichiosis, visit Biosecurity Queensland’s website or call the Customer Service Centre on 13 25 23.

Biosecurity Queensland is part of the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries.