Keep your canine companions healthy this summer

19 December 2023

Victorian travellers are urged to protect their dogs against a serious tick-borne illness.

Agriculture Victoria Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer Doctor Cameron Bell said it is vital dog owners take preventative steps against ehrlichiosis, a bacterial disease transmitted by the brown dog tick.

‘Ehrlichiosis is transmitted by brown dog ticks biting and infecting dogs,’ Dr Bell said.

‘Dogs with ehrlichiosis may show no signs of illness or may become very sick and die, with signs of infection including fever, tiredness, conjunctivitis, nose bleeds or bleeding under the skin, small spots or bruising, and swellings on the body and limbs.’

There is no vaccine for dogs against ehrlichiosis, but antibiotics may help if affected animals are treated early. Tick control is the main protective measure against the disease.

‘Check your dog for ticks by running your fingers through their coat and feeling for any unusual bumps or ticks – carefully checking around the head, neck, ears, chest, between toes and around mouth and gums,’ Dr Bell said.

Ehrlichiosis was found for the first time in an Australian dog in the Kimberley region in mid-2020. Since then, it has spread around the country and is now found in most states and territories.

On rare occasions, humans can become infected through the bite of an infected tick. Consult a medical professional if you have any concerns or feel unwell after being exposed to ticks.

Dogs cannot directly transmit infection to people or directly to other dogs.

‘If you think your dog has ehrlichiosis, contact your vet, call your Agriculture Victoria District Veterinary Officer or the Customer Contact Centre on telephone 136 186 ; Dr Bell said.

‘If you do find a tick, carefully remove it as close to the skin surface as possible with fine-point tweezers or a tick removal tool, taking care not to pinch the dog’s skin.

‘Place in a resealable bag to take to your local veterinarian for identification – ensuring to freeze it first if you’re unable to take it immediately.

‘Vets can also provide advice on tick control methods, effective products and tick removal and should be consulted if you’re travelling with your dog to high-risk areas such as the Northern Territory, northern Western Australia and northern South Australia.’

Tick control methods include repellent tick collars and spot-ons as the best primary protection, in combination with tablets and chews registered for tick control.

Learn more about ehrlichiosis via the Agriculture Victoria website.

Media contact: Maida Anderson

Phone: 0431 626 178