Biosecurity Queensland has launched a surveillance program to determine whether the tick-borne disease ‘ehrlichiosis’ is present in Queensland dogs.
The move follows ehrlichiosis being detected in Western Australia and the Northern Territory.
Biosecurity Queensland is calling on dog owners and veterinarians to report any suspected cases immediately to the Emergency Animal Disease Watch Hotline on 1800 675 888.
Chief Veterinary Officer, Allison Crook said ehrlichiosis occurred worldwide and was caused by the bacteria Ehrlichia canis (E. canis).
“Dogs become infected with E. canis after being bitten by an infected tick, typically the brown dog tick which is common in most areas of Australia, including Queensland,” Dr Crook said.
“Although infected dogs do not directly transmit the disease to other dogs or people, in rare cases, people can become infected from a tick bite.”
She said that while E. canis had not been found in dogs in Queensland, Biosecurity Queensland was alert to the possibility of cases.
“To assist Biosecurity Queensland’s surveillance program, veterinarians are urged to submit samples for testing from dogs showing signs consistent with ehrlichiosis,” Dr Crook said.
“I also encourage Local Government animal control and animal management officers to provide details of suspected cases.”
She said that once the disease was in the brown dog tick population, it was difficult to control and dog owners and veterinarians should be aware of symptoms and what to do to prevent the disease.
“Although they can vary considerably among dogs, symptoms typically include fever, lethargy, enlarged lymph nodes, loss of appetite, discharge from the eyes and nose, weight loss, and anaemia and bleeding disorders,” Dr Crook said.
