By Dr. Liisa Ahlstrom, Technical Veterinarian at Elanco for Seresto
Australia has one of the highest rates of pet ownership in the world, and as pet owners, we’re no strangers to the risks that ticks pose to our furry friends.
We’ve all heard about the dangers of tick paralysis, but there’s a lesser-known yet growing concern in Australia - ehrlichiosis. This serious tick-borne disease is spreading across the country and it’s crucial that pet owners understand the risks and take preventative action.
What is ehrlichiosis?
Ehrlichiosis is a bacterial infection caused by Ehrlichia canis, which is transmitted through the bite of an infected brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus linnaei). Once the tick bites, bacteria in the tick’s saliva enter the dog’s bloodstream, multiply in white blood cells (monocytes) and spread throughout the body. The dog’s immune system responds in a counter-productive way, which can lead to widespread organ damage.
Symptoms of ehrlichiosis typically begin about 2 weeks after being bitten by an infected tick, and often include lethargy, fever, loss of appetite and weight loss. As the disease progresses, symptoms can worsen and may include bleeding (e.g. nose bleeds, bruising or bleeding under the skin or gums), swollen limbs, enlarged lymph nodes, pale gums, cloudy eyes and seizures. If left untreated, dogs may appear to recover but will often get sick again months or years later developing serious complications such as organ failure, bone marrow suppression, sepsis and, sadly, death.
Unfortunately, because many of its early symptoms mimic other conditions, ehrlichiosis can easily go undiagnosed in its early stages, making treatment more difficult and uncertain. This makes it all the more important for pet owners to stay alert and take preventive measures.
The growing concern of ehrlichiosis in Australia
While ehrlichiosis isn’t a new disease, its presence in Australia is. First detected in northern Western Australia in 2020, the disease spread rapidly throughout the Northern Territory, then into northern South Australia, Queensland, and parts of New South Wales. Thousands of dogs are believed to have been exposed, many have died, and experts predict the numbers will only continue to rise.
While the highest risk of ehrlichiosis is for dogs in warmer regions of Australia, particularly in northern and central Australia, cases are also occurring in southern states, associated with travel. Road trips, camping holidays, rehoming of dogs, or movement of working dogs through or from areas where the disease is prevalent can all contribute to this worrying trend. The movement of infected dogs and their ticks into new regions is likely responsible for the alarming spread of this disease over the last 5 years.
With paralysis tick season upon us along the Eastern Seaboard, we are urging owners to remain vigilant, not just for paralysis ticks, but now also for brown dog ticks and ehrlichiosis. Prevention is the only way to keep pets safe from this deadly disease.
Prevention is key
There is no vaccination, making the best defense against ehrlichiosis preventing tick bites to stop disease transmission. While there are many excellent tick prevention products available that will effectively kill brown dog ticks, most are not effective at preventing transmission of ehrlichiosis. This is because most products, including all chews and tablets, only kill ticks after they bite, which is too late to stop the bacteria being transmitted with the tick’s saliva. For this reason, it's critical to use a product that works on the surface of the pet to repel ticks, kill ticks on contact and stop them from biting.
SerestoTM is a long-lasting, odourless, water-resistant flea and tick collar, and the only product available that protects dogs from ehrlichiosis.* Unlike oral treatments that require ticks to bite before they’re killed, SerestoTM works by repelling and killing ticks on contact, to stop them biting and transmitting diseases.
The SerestoTM collar provides up to 8 months of protection against fleas and paralysis ticks, and 4 months of protection against brown dog ticks and tick-borne diseases, including ehrlichiosis. It’s an easy, affordable and effective way to give dogs the best possible protection from tick-borne diseases, and it can be safely used alongside other parasiticide products.
What to look for and when to seek help
Ticks pose a serious threat to your dog’s health, but ehrlichiosis can be tricky to detect early. Unfortunately, the longer ehrlichiosis is left untreated, the harder it becomes to treat, and sometimes despite intensive treatment dogs die. Early diagnosis and treatment give dogs the very best chance to make a good recovery.
If your dog shows any signs of lethargy, loss of appetite, or unusual swelling, bleeding or bruising, particularly if you live in a high-risk area or have recently travelled to one of these areas with your dog, it’s essential to seek prompt veterinary advice.
Protecting your pet: the bottom line
As pet owners, the best defense against this serious disease is prevention. This includes protecting your dog with a SerestoTM collar, regularly checking them for ticks, and seeking veterinary advice if your dog becomes unwell. These steps can help reduce the risk of dogs contracting or dying from this potentially fatal disease.
Key Takeaways:
● Ehrlichiosis is a deadly tick-borne disease that is spreading across Australia.
● Early symptoms include lethargy, fever, and loss of appetite.
● Brown dog ticks are found across northern and central Australia in both rural and urban environments.
● Only SerestoTM protects dogs from tick-borne diseases, including ehrlichiosis.
● Seek veterinary advice if your dog shows signs of illness - early detection is key for successful treatment.
● Tick removal guide here
For more information on tick prevention and ehrlichiosis, talk to the Pet Experts at your local Just For Pets independent pet store today and ensure you're doing all you can to protect your furry friend.
PM-AU-25-0487 *See product label for more information.
