Deadly disease spread by ticks found in Queensland for the first time
A deadly disease spread by ticks has arrived in Queensland for the first time, sparking a warning for pet owners to remain vigilant this summer.
Canine Ehrlichia is spread by brown dog ticks and can go undetected for weeks.
The dangerous disease has been detected in North Queensland.
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A deadly disease spread by brown dog ticks has been found in Queensland for the first time. iStock
Symptoms include fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, weight loss, swelling of the chest or front legs, cloudy eyes or conjunctivitis, pain and stiffness or bleeding disorders such as nosebleeds or bruising on the gums or belly.
"When it bites, the tick infects a dog with the disease ehrlichiosis, which causes serious health issues, even death, among dogs," Dr Karishma Dahia, a veterinarian at AWLQ Community Vet Clinic said.
The disease can lay dormant in a dog's system attacking the immune system and infecting bone marrow where treatment options suddenly become scarce.
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Dog owners are urged to check their pets for ticks this summer. AWLQ Community Vet Clinic
Vets are urging dog owners to remain highly vigilant and regularly check their pets for ticks.
Dahia's top tips for checking pets include thoroughly examining dogs daily including in between toes, in their ears, nose, mouth and on their stomach.
Owners should keep up to date with tick treatments, avoid bushland or scrubby areas where ticks are rife and use repellant tick collars.
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