Files and links (1)
CC BY-NC-ND V4.0, Open Access
Journal article
The 'other' epidemic: canine ehrlichiosis in Australia
Microbiology Australia, Vol.43(4), pp.156-159
2022
Abstract
Canine monocytic ehrlichiosis (Ehrlichia canis infection) is a serious tick-transmitted disease of dogs that was considered exotic to Australia until recently. The disease was first reported across northern and central Australia in 2020, with significant canine morbidity and mortalities observed at indigenous communities where dog numbers are high, ticks are superabundant, and tick prevention is scant. The date and location of the incursion are unknown, yet comparative genomic analysis suggest the Australian E. canis may have originated from Asia or the Middle East. Veterinarians nationwide are on alert for this notifiable disease since cases have been reported in southern locations as a consequence of moving infected dogs from endemic areas. Acute infections in dogs respond favourably to doxycycline therapy, however chronic disease results in bone marrow failure and death. Tick prophylaxis is key to preventing canine ehrlichiosis and is best achieved using products that repel and kill ticks before they attach. Although reports exist of E. canis as a zoonosis, there is no evidence that the strain involved in the current Australian outbreak poses risk to humans.
Details
- Title
- The 'other' epidemic: canine ehrlichiosis in Australia
- Authors/Creators
- Peter Irwin - Murdoch University, School of Veterinary MedicineJohn Beadle - All Creatures Vet Hosp Broome, POB 1752, Broome, WA 6725, Australia
- Publication Details
- Microbiology Australia, Vol.43(4), pp.156-159
- Publisher
- Csiro Publishing
- Number of pages
- 4
- Identifiers
- 991005585962607891
- Copyright
- © 2022 The Author(s) (or their employer(s)).
- Murdoch Affiliation
- School of Veterinary Medicine
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article
UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
This output has contributed to the advancement of the following goals:
Metrics
13 File views/ downloads
85 Record Views