Ehrlichiosis was found for the first time in Australia in the Kimberley region in mid-2020. It is now found across mainland Australia apart from Victoria and the ACT, after being confirmed in South Australia in the past week.
Victorian Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Graeme Cooke said symptoms could include fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, weight loss, cloudy eyes or conjunctivitis, pain, stiffness, nosebleeds, bruising on the gums or belly and enlarged lymph nodes.
To date, no dog originating from Victoria has tested positive to ehrlichiosis, a potentially deadly dog disease with no available vaccine. Antibiotics may assist in managing the disease if affected dogs are treated early.
“With dogs travelling readily around Australia, we need to be particularly mindful of these symptoms if they have come from another state or territory with confirmed cases and brown dog ticks present,” Dr Cooke said.
Victorians are being asked to reduce the risk of bringing the disease into the state by adopting or purchasing dogs within the state and avoiding transporting dogs from interstate.
“To protect your dogs from ehrlichiosis regularly check them for ticks, use an effective tick control and seek veterinary advice promptly if they become unwell. Be particularly vigilant if you’ve been interstate with your dog,” Dr Cooke said.
“If your dog is unwell or you find any abnormal bumps or ticks, make sure you promptly arrange to take your dog to your vet.”
Ehrlichiosis is a notifiable disease in Victoria, which means it must be reported to the Emergency Animal Disease Watch Hotline on 1800 675 888 when suspected.
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