Coast owners warned about exotic dog disease

Gold Coast pet owners and vets have been warned about a new, exotic and potentially fatal disease in dogs that had just arrived in Australia.

COAST vets are on the look out for a new exotic tick-borne disease that could have a major impact on your furry friends.

The disease, ehrlichiosis, causes fever, lethargy, enlarged lymph nodes, loss of appetite, discharge from the eyes and nose, weight loss, anaemia and bleeding disorders in dogs.

Queensland’s top vet, Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Allison Crook, warned that the disease was only a new arrival to Australia, but there were concerns it may have spread to the sunshine state.

Ehrlichiosis has been found in the 'brown dog tick' population in WA, with QLD vets warning people to stay cautious. Picture: Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development WA.

Dr Crook said Biosecurity Queensland was now undertaking surveillance to determine whether E. canis was present in Queensland dogs.

Pet owners and vets have also been asked to be vigilant.

“Dogs become infected with E. canis after being bitten by an infected tick, typically the brown dog tick which is common in most areas of Australia, including Queensland,” Dr Cook said.

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“Although infected dogs do not directly transmit the disease to other dogs or people, in rare cases, people can become infected from a tick bite.

“To assist Biosecurity Queensland’s surveillance program, veterinarians are urged to submit samples for testing from dogs showing signs consistent with ehrlichiosis.

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“I also encourage local government animal control and animal management officers to provide details of suspected cases.

“Once the disease is in the brown dog tick population, it is very difficult to control.”

Ehrlichiosis is a nationally notifiable disease and anyone who suspects a dog is showing signs of the disease must report it immediately to the Emergency Animal Disease Watch Hotline on 1800 675 888.