Protecting your furry friends during Australian travels

As Australians embark on travel around the country over the festive period, dog owners are being urged to be vigilant about a growing threat – the rise of deadly bacterial diseases carried by brown ticks. 

The dangers of travelling with dogs in Australia have escalated due to the rampant spread of a potentially fatal bacterial disease known as Ehrlichiosis, carried by infected brown ticks.

The Brown Tick Menace

Travelling with your dogs in Australia now comes with an added caution. Brown ticks, widely distributed across the continent, are carriers of Ehrlichiosis, a bacterial disease that can prove fatal to dogs if left untreated. The disease is particularly prevalent in northern Australia and has been spreading rapidly southwards in both Western Australia (WA) and Queensland (QLD), with the Northern Territory (NT) being considered endemic.

Symptoms and Risks

Dogs bitten by infected ticks can display a range of symptoms, from fever to bleeding from the nose. Without prompt treatment, the disease can progress rapidly, leading to severe consequences, including death. As temperatures rise, the spread of Ehrlichiosis is becoming more pronounced, necessitating increased awareness and preventative measures.

Protective Measures for Your Pooch

To safeguard your furry companions during travels, it is strongly recommended to treat dogs for ticks, both internally and externally. The use of tick repellent collars or treatments, with Seresto collars being recommended, can be an effective preventive measure. It is crucial to act swiftly as the disease can develop within hours of a tick bite.

Educate Yourself about Ehrlichiosis in Dogs

Travellers are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the comprehensive information available on the web page titled ‘Ehrlichiosis in Dogs - DAFF’. [1] This resource provides a thorough understanding of the condition, its symptoms, and the current spread of Ehrlichiosis across Australia.

Minimising the Spread and Protecting Our Dogs

While the disease has not yet reached the southern regions of Australia, the rapid pace of its spread demands heightened awareness and proactive measures. Dog owners are advised to avoid bushy areas, opting for parks with short grass as safer spaces for their dogs.

Act Now and Save Lives

With the risk of tick-borne diseases on the rise, it is incumbent upon dog owners to take immediate and proactive steps to protect their canine companions. By understanding the risks, staying informed, and adopting preventive measures, we can collectively minimise the further spread of Ehrlichiosis and ensure the safety and well-being of our beloved dogs.

written by Dr Karen Hedberg BVSc, December 2023 for Dogs NSW.

Reference:

[1] 'Ehrlichiosis in Dogs - DAFF' - https://www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity- trade/pests-diseases-weeds/animal/ehrlichiosis-in-dogs

MEDIA RELEASE, 12th December 2023

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APVMA grants emergency permit for Seresto to reduce the transmission of Ehrlichia canis to dogs by brown dog ticks

While Covid-19 has dominated our thoughts and headlines over the last year, the arrival of Ehrlichia canis (or “ehrlichiosis”) has been devastating dog populations in northern Australia and is spreading rapidly across the country.

This disease is caused by a bacterium, Ehrlichia canis, spread between dogs by the brown dog tick (R. sanguineus). Unlike some other tick-borne diseases, Ehrlichia canis can be transmitted rapidly - within three hours of a single tick bite.

The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) recently granted an emergency permit to Seresto to help reduce transmission of this notifiable disease.

What is the likelihood of ehrlichiosis affecting and spreading to Australian dogs in densely populated suburbs and cities?

"With the first case of ehrlichiosis in Victoria detected in a dog in June 2021, school holidays in full swing and driving holidays with pets on the rise, the risk of the disease spreading to suburbs and cities is increasing." said Dr Liisa Ahlstrom, Technical Services Veterinarian Elanco Animal Health.

Elanco Veterinarian Olivia Skippings
with puppies in the Northern Territory

"We’ve seen just how rapidly this disease outbreak has spread since the first Australian case was diagnosed in a dog in northern WA in May 2020. 

Since then, over 500 dogs in remote communities of Western Australia and the Northern Territory have tested positive. The true case numbers are likely to be much higher than reported, as many dogs have been found dead without testing or treatment. 

As we are in the midst of the school holidays, we’re imploring pet owners to be vigilant and take simple precautions to ensure that their dogs and others are not exposed to unnecessary risks. This includes ensuring dogs are protected against all five major parasites, especially against ticks which can spread ehrlichiosis, by using products that repel ticks before they bite, and checking pet dogs regularly for ticks, even 2-3 times per day, if they are travelling to high-risk areas. 

Report any symptoms immediately to a local veterinarian. Ehrlichiosis is a nationally notifiable disease and any detected cases must be reported to authorities."

Repelling ticks before they bite is essential

That’s why the APVMA has granted a permit (APVMA PER90869) allowing the Seresto Collar for Dogs to be used to “reduce the transmission of the tick-borne disease caused by the pathogen Ehrlichia canis, thereby reducing the risk of transmission of canine ehrlichiosis between dogs by brown dog ticks”.

"Although there are many highly effective tick products available, most are systemically-acting (i.e. all the chews, tablets and most spot-ons), rely on ticks biting the dog and feeding on blood to receive a lethal dose of active ingredient, and kill ticks too slowly to stop transmission of disease." said Dr Liisa Ahlstrom, Technical Services Veterinarian Elanco Animal Health.

"However, all products that effectively kill brown dog ticks do have a role to play in helping to contain this disease outbreak at a population level, by reducing the numbers of the brown dog tick vector. But it’s important to make it clear, that only a topically-acting product that repels ticks to stop them biting, like Seresto, is able to protect dogs from becoming infected."

How does the Seresto collar work?

Elanco Veterinarian Dr Liisa Ahlstrom 
in NT explains how to use Seresto

Seresto for Dogs is a long-lasting, water-resistant collar containing imidacloprid and flumethrin that repels ticks and kills fleas and ticks on contact, and reduces the transmission of tick-borne diseases, including ehrlichiosis.

"The unique polymer matrix of Seresto enables release of controlled doses of two proven active ingredients: imidacloprid, a very potent insecticide, and flumethrin, a highly potent acaricide." explains Dr Liisa Ahlstrom. 

"The innovative polymer matrix stores the active ingredients in the collar itself. The inclusion of neutral oils in the collar matrix allows for the migration of active ingredients from the collar matrix to the surface of the collar to form a micro-layer. This migration is controlled by a concentration gradient between the collar matrix and the collar surface – once their concentrations are balanced, further release of active ingredients stops. 

Assisted by the collar’s neutral oils, the active ingredients transfer from the micro-layer on the collar surface into the natural lipid layer of the dog’s skin and hair. The active ingredients spread via diffusion over the body surface within the lipid layer. The depletion of active ingredients from the collar surface to the dog’s lipid layer triggers further migration of actives (along their concentration gradient) from the collar matrix to the collar surface, to restore the concentration equilibrium. 

As a result, active ingredients continue to migrate from the collar matrix to the collar surface only as needed, ensuring low-dose protection is sustained for up to 8 months for fleas and 4 months for ticks in dogs."

Studies have shown that Seresto also reduces the transmission of Ehrlichia canis in dogs. This is a registered product claim in other countries.

For more details about Ehrlichiosis, you can contact your State Veterinary Authority, the National Pest and Disease Outbreaks website (www.outbreak.gov.au), the AMRRIC - Animal Management in Rural & Remote Indigenous Communities website (www.amrric.org/resources/ehrlichiosisfaq)

For information about Seresto for Dogs, contact Elanco on Tel (02) 9878 7777 or visit the Advantage Pet Care website.

Image Source (lead image) - AMRRIC: puppy suspected of having ehrlichiosis

MEDIA RELEASE, June 2021

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Victoria detected the first case of the dog disease ehrlichiosis

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Assistance for dogs affected by tick-borne disease Ehrlichiosis

Ehrlichiosis is a deadly disease in dogs caused by the bite of a brown tick infected with an exotic pathogen Ehrlichia Canis (E. canis) and animal health authorities are on alert for it spreading to other parts of the country.

In May 2020, E. canis was detected in a small number of dogs in Western Australia’s Kimberley region. This is the first detection of E. canis in dogs in Australia that had not been imported from overseas and is a notifiable disease, according to the NSW Department of Primary Industries. Animal health authorities are concerned that the tick-borne disease will soon hit other parts of the country.

Companion Animal Network Australia (CAN) National Executive Trish Ennis warned, “We have reports of confirmed cases of infected dogs in various parts of Australia, including Broome in Western Australia and the APY Lands in South Australia.”

Although infected dogs do not directly transmit the disease to other dogs, the transmission occurs through infected ticks, particularly the brown dog tick which is widespread in mainland Australia.

“Investigations into the origin of the infection in both northern WA and the Northern Territory are ongoing with no obvious leads at this time, which means it’s possible the disease has been present in some regions for some time,” said Ms Ennis.

Dogs become infected with Ehrlichiosis after being bitten by an infected tick, usually the brown dog tick
(Credit: Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, WA)

In early 2021, ticks infected with the bacteria that causes ehrlichiosis were also found in South Australia’s far north.

Veterinarian Dr Julie Bellamy, CEO Animal Welfare League SA, said, “Ehrlichiosis is a very serious disease with a high mortality rate in chronically infected dogs. Infected animals require veterinary treatment and supportive care.

“Dog owners must be vigilant. There are a number of things you can do to help prevent this disease in your dogs, including placing your dog on a tick control program. Dog owners should consult with their veterinarians on the risk and preventative measures appropriate for their geographical area,” she said.

The National Pest and Disease Outbreak website advises pet owners to inspect their dog daily for ticks, especially if they have been in a tick-infested area. 

Credit: Christian Lambert (Unsplash)

Run your fingers through your dog’s coat over their skin and feel for abnormal bumps, paying particular attention to the head and neck, inside their ears, on their chest, between their toes and around their mouths and gums.

The initial clinical signs of E. canis infection can include: 

✔️ fever

✔️ lethargy

✔️ enlarged lymph nodes

✔️ loss of appetite

✔️ discharge from the eyes and nose

✔️ weight loss and 

✔️ bleeding disorders

If your dog is showing any of the above clinical signs, please contact a vet immediately.

“We recommend you contact your veterinarian if you have a dog that is unwell because early treatment provides the best chance for them to recover,” Dr Bellamy added.

A spokesperson from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development WA advised, “In areas where brown dog ticks are present or dogs to be rehomed are sick, rehoming agencies are encouraged have dogs tested for E. canis before moving them to ensure they are not spreading the disease to another area. In Western Australia, movement conditions apply to dogs being moved out of the Kimberley, where the disease is established.”

For more information, visit www.agric.wa.gov.au/ehrlichiosis

Ehrlichiosis is predominantly a disease of dogs but there have been rare cases of human infection. The Department of Health has information on their website about ticks and human health precautions.

For more information on the disease, visit: www.outbreak.gov.au/current-responses-to-outbreaks/ehrlichiosis-dogs

Nala's Story from SAFE WA

Nala came from North West Australia. She was left to fend for herself when her owner left over Christmas. With the searing heat, she took herself the best spot possible, next to the ice machine in the local pub, becoming a welcomed part of the Public Bar.

The Publican, knowing they couldn’t keep Nala, contacted the local ranger Hamish to collect her. Hamish found someone who knew the owner who said they would take Nala while she was away. Nala escaped and returned to the pub. “She was a beautiful gentle dog,” said Hamish.

Hamish contacted the owner who agreed to have Nala rehomed. He took her directly to SAFE in Karratha where she was checked by the vet team. She was skin and bone and very lethargic.

Following her vet check she was found to be anaemic, covered in ticks and was suffering from the E. canis virus. Following isolation, treatment and wonderful care by her foster carers, Nala recovered fully. She has now been re-homed to an amazing couple who are spoiling Nala and she is loving them.

About Companion Animal Network Australia (CAN)

Companion Animal Network Australia (CAN) is a registered charity representing the companion animal welfare work of our six member agencies. We rally support to develop and promote programs that deliver high welfare standards for companion animals.

Together, our members provide rescue, shelter, re-homing, fostering, health care and enrichment services to more than 50,000 animals every year. Through national campaigns, partnerships and initiatives, we celebrate the human-animal bond and promote responsible pet ownership.

We use our national voice to campaign for the humane treatment of all companion animals and we rally support for programmes that deliver high welfare standards.

To discover more, visit www.australiacan.org.au

MEDIA RELEASE, 26th March 2021

AMRRIC supporting remote communities to treat dogs threatened by new tick-borne disease 

Companion animals in remote communities across Australia have experienced a challenging year so far. Due to restrictions around the COVID-19 pandemic, roughly 27,500 dogs have had reduced access to veterinary services and parasite protection - some have had absences of vet services for more than 12 months. 

Further to this, a rare and life-threatening tick-borne disease affecting dogs, Ehrlichiosis, was discovered in the Kimberley in May, and has since been detected in other regions in WA, as well as throughout the NT. 

Background on Ehrlichiosis 

Ehrlichiosis is a disease of dogs that occurs when a brown dog tick infected with the bacteria, Ehrlichia canis, bites a dog. It can result in death if not properly treated. 

In very rare cases, infected ticks may infect people. 

Dog owners should have their dogs on a tick control program, regularly check their dogs for ticks and be on the lookout for signs of the disease. 

AMRRIC estimates of dog populations
in declared biosecurity areas

E. canis occurs around the world, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. Infection with E. canis (ehrlichiosis) was confirmed for the first time in Australian dogs in May 2020 in the Kimberley region of Western Australia and June 2020 in the Northern Territory. 

Dogs develop ehrlichiosis after being bitten by a brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus) infected with E. canis. The brown dog tick is widely distributed worldwide and is present across northern Australia.

Together with its partners and with communities, AMRRIC (Animal Management in Rural and Remote Indigenous Communities) has been working hard to improve health outcomes for these animals. Following the resumption of remote travel, teams of veterinary service providers have been on the road non-stop delivering veterinary services and parasite protection. 

A key focus for AMRRIC’s vet team has been working to collect samples to allow the NT Department of Primary Industries to test animals for Ehrlichiosis, which has now been discovered in remote communities and urban centres throughout the NT. 

To address this growing issue, AMRRIC has secured a large quantity of parasite medication through generous support from Boehringer Ingelheim, the manufacturers of NexGard. AMRRIC’s investment of $20,000, together with generous discounts from Boehringer Ingelheim, will result in almost 3000 dogs receiving NexGard – a highly effective anti-parasite treatment targeting ticks, fleas and mange

.  

AMRRIC and PETstock staff at the Petstock Berrimah shop in Darwin with some of the NexGard and donated food

AMRRIC has also had additional support from PETstock Assist in coordinating stock delivery and providing a $10,500 donation of food and enrichment products for companion animals in remote communities. 

PETstock Assist Charity and Events Coordinator, Jessica Guilfoyle, says supporting members of the community hardest hit by COVID-19 has been a key focus for the charity; 

“Throughout the pandemic our charity has been working closely with community groups such as AMRRIC to determine where the greatest need is, and how we can provide support.” she says. ‘Ehrlichiosis is only magnifying the need for this support to remote communities. 

AMRRIC CEO Brooke Rankmore with
PETstock Darwin Manager Daniel Brockhurst

AMRRIC CEO Dr. Brooke Rankmore says: “AMRRIC works with our partners to provide support for companion animals in remote communities- when animals are healthy, people and communities are healthy. 

Ehrlichiosis poses a massive threat to the health of not only dogs but the whole community. 

By providing anti-parasitic medications to at-risk communities, the threat posed by ticks infected with the Erhlichiosis bacteria is lessened. 

The valuable contribution and support provided by Boehringer Ingelheim and PETstock Assist will go a long way in supporting communities with this emerging issues. 

Starting in September, AMRRIC will begin distributing NexGard, with the help of residents, to communities in need. This medication will treat dogs who may not have had access to vet services since 2019. 

AMRRIC Program Manager-Strategic Delivery Dr Bonny Cumming says: “In the absence of vet programs due to the wet season and the pandemic, it can be hard for owners in remote communities to access effective animal health products. Administering regular tick prevention like NexGard aids in protecting dogs from Ehrlichiosis, and is a great way to support their general health.”

With Ehrlichia canis potentially making its way into more and more communities, the work that AMRRIC is doing in collecting data and distributing anti-parasitic medication is increasingly important. AMRRIC has always had a focus on meeting critical needs in community in a collaborative and consultative way; in the past, this had meant delivering emergency support following a cyclone or natural emergency, but in this case, the emergency is a zoonotic disease new to Australia.

About AMRRIC

AMRRIC – Animal Management in Rural and Remote Indigenous Communities – is a national not- for-profit organization. Our One Health, One Wellbeing approach recognises the inextricable links between human, animal and environmental health and wellbeing. By working with remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across Australia to improve the health of their companion animals, AMRRIC is helping to create healthier, safer and happier communities.

In the communities where AMRRIC works, access to veterinary services is extremely limited, due to a variety of geographic, social-economic and cultural factors. Without veterinary services, the health and welfare of animals suffers, as does the health and wellbeing of community members. AMRRIC works with a range of stakeholders including veterinarians, regional councils and Indigenous corporations, to ensure remote communities have access to culturally appropriate, effective and ongoing veterinary services. We also employ education programs within local schools and other community groups to share knowledge with children and adults about animal health and wellbeing, and discuss links to human health and wellbeing. The longer-term objectives of our model are sustainability and capacity building, so that ultimately, communities can confidently and effectively manage their own companion animal populations.

About PETstock Assist

PETstock Assist is a registered charity committed to making a long-term difference and positive change in the lives of pets and humans through education, awareness and donations. 100% of donations to PETstock Assist are donated to charities that share its mission.

Since inception, PETstock Assist has microchipped more than 22,000 pets, found homes for more than 12,000 rescue pets, coordinated food drives to the value of $5 million, donated more than $3 million to charities and founded ‘The Pet Mob’ – a program that sees PETstock Vets visit Papunya in the NT to provide veterinary services including desexing and parasite treatments.

Fore more information, visit amrric.org, facebook.com/amrric and www.petstock.com.au/assist

MEDIA RELEASE, 17th September 2020