Detection of Ehrlichiosis in WA and NT

The Queensland Racing Integrity Commission (QRIC) is warning greyhound owners and trainers to beware that Ehrlichiosis has been detected in dogs in Western Australia and the Northern Territory.

Ehrlichiosis is a tick-borne disease of dogs caused by infection with the bacteria Ehrlichia canis.  E. canis occurs worldwide, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions.

In May 2020, E. canis was detected in a small number of domesticated dogs in northern Western Australia. This was the first detection of ehrlichiosis in dogs in Australia that have not been imported from overseas. Ehrlichiosis has also been confirmed in the Northern Territory, in a small number of dogs in Katherine and in a remote settlement west of Alice Springs.

QRIC Director of Animal Welfare and Veterinary Services Dr Martin Lenz said trainers should be aware when importing dogs from these two states.

More information on the disease is available on the WA Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development website here.

More information can be found on the NT Department of Primary Industries and Resources website here.

On the 10 June, the NSW DPI released a very comprehensive CVO Bulletin for veterinarians on ehrlichiosis in dogs.  You can access the document here.

Infection with E. canis (ehrlichiosis) is a notifiable disease in Australia. If you suspect ehrlichiosis, call the Emergency Animal Disease hotline on 1800 675 888.

ENDS.