Warning as Australian tick serum shortage hits Gold Coast veterinarians

A Gold Coast-based animal welfare group is down to just two bottles of a paralysis tick antiserum amid a national shortage of the treatment. What you need to know to protect your pets.

A Gold Coast-based animal welfare group is down to just two bottles of a paralysis tick antiserum amid a national shortage of the treatment.

Vets have warned there are limited supplies left in hospitals and stock is not expected to replenish in the next two weeks.

Flood conditions have caused supply issues and a spike in paralysis tick cases presenting to vet clinics.

Paralysis ticks can cause death in animals if not treated immediately.

Paralysis tick guide

Animal Welfare League Queensland spokesman Craig Montgomery urged pet owners to keep their animal’s tick treatments up to date.

“The AWLQ Community Vet Clinic has just two bottles of paralysis tick antiserum left – so we’re urging pet owners to remain vigilant and take precautionary steps to protect their pets,” he said.

“Pet owners can do this by thoroughly examining their pets daily. So things like checking between their toes, inside their ears, nose, mouth and on their stomach – anywhere that is ground dwelling.

“Avoid tick habitats such as bushland or scrubby areas, but if you do go for bush walks, ensure your dog is on lead and not going off track which is a breeding ground for paralysis ticks.”

Emma Carter said her dog Missy almost died after she picked up a paralysis tick in Coomera Waters last week.

Emma Carter's dog Missy almost died from a paralysis tick. Picture: supplied

“She had weakness in her back legs and couldn’t jump onto my lap like she does everyday when I get home,” Ms Carter said.

“I rushed her straight to the animal emergency centre in Carrara.”

Thankfully, Missy survived the ordeal.

Ms Carter urged pet owners to check if their preventative treatments covered for ticks.

“Missy was on a flea treatment that covered flea and heartworm - we didn’t realise the treatment didn’t cover ticks.”

Pet owners who think their animal may have ticks should seek vet treatment immediately.