BACKGROUND: Apicomplexan tick-borne pathogens that cause disease in companion animals include species of Babesia Starcovici, 1893, Cytauxzoon Neitz & Thomas, 1948, Hepatozoon Miller, 1908 and Theileria Bettencourt, Franca & Borges, 1907. The only apicomplexan tick-borne disease of companion animals that is known to occur in Australia is babesiosis, caused by […]
Abstracts: Searching for Lyme borreliosis in Australia: results of a canine sentinel study
BACKGROUND: Lyme borreliosis is a common tick-borne disease of the northern hemisphere that is caused by bacterial spirochaetes of the Borrelia burgdorferi (sensu lato) (Bbsl) complex. To date, there has been no convincing evidence for locally-acquired Lyme borreliosis on the Australian continent and there is currently a national debate concerning the […]
Experts urge change about thinking for canine vector born disease
Australian and New Zealand veterinarians need to change the way they think about vector borne diseases, according to canine medicine specialist Associate Professor Peter Irwin. Irwin, based at Murdoch University, said that while Australia and New Zealand are free of many significant vector borne diseases (VBDs), emergence of these in […]
Tick vigilance urged for coming holidays
“Roaming Vet” Romy Feldman has advised pet owners to be cautious particularly when taking animals on holiday, as different regions have different pests and treatments needed. “It is important to be informed about the risk in their area and any hot-spots that come about, like tick cases recently reported as […]
Deadly tick season threatens pets
Vets are warning pet owners to be vigilant as an explosion of tick paralysis cases in Australia’s eastern states leaves a trail of casualties. Perfect breeding conditions have created huge numbers of paralysis ticks this summer, according to Australian Veterinary Association spokesperson Jodie Wilson. “The tick season is usually at […]