Dog disease Ehrlichiosis established in the Pastoral region

Posted 08 July 2021.

A confirmed case of Ehrlichiosis has been found in dogs living in the Aṉangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands in the State’s far north.

Ticks carrying Ehrlichiosis have been found in many areas of the APY Lands, and dog owners are urged to ensure dogs are on an appropriate tick repellent program.

It is likely this disease may have spread to other areas in the pastoral regions north of Port Augusta, so to be safe all dogs living and travelling in the far northern areas of our state where tick numbers are higher should be considered at risk.

How to protect your dog:

• Start a tick repellent program - Talk to your vet about suitable products
• Check your dog every day for ticks, and avoid areas likely to be tick-infested
• If your dog gets sick, tell your vet, including where and when you’ve travelled
• Dog owners in remote communities can reach out to local services like Nganampa Health Council which may provide advice and support for animal health

Dog owners in the affected communities are advised not to move their dogs around unless healthy, free of ticks and on a tick repellent program.

Ehrlichiosis is a disease of dogs that causes fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, abnormal bleeding, pain and weight loss. If not treated properly, it can result in death.

The disease is caused by a tick-borne bacteria called Ehrlichia canis. Ehrlichiosis was exotic to Australia before being detected in WA and NT in 2020.

For more information, visit pir.sa.gov.au/ehrlichiosis