The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries is warning dog owners to protect their animals from ticks that breed faster during the wet season.
General Manager, Animal Biosecurity and Welfare and Chief Veterinary Officer at the Department, Allison Crook said especially dangerous was the brown dog tick, which was found across all of Northern Australia.
“It can transmit deadly bacteria to dogs, causing the disease ehrlichiosis,” Dr Crook said.
“The best protection is to use an external tick control product that kills brown dog ticks on contact, before the tick can attach to your dog,” she said.
Dr Crook also urged some simple precautions.
“Keep your dog away from tick-infested bushland areas and areas where infected dogs or ticks may be present, including shared dog areas,” she said.
“Regularly inspect your dog for ticks by running your fingers through its coat 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 mouth and gums.”
Dr Crook urged dog owners to speak to their veterinarian for more advice about how to protect their animals, including effective tick prevention and control products.
People can access more information about canine ehrlichiosis at this PS News link.
