THE state's first confirmed clinical case of a deadly tick disease has been detected in a dog living in the state's north in the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Lands.
While previously there had been the discovery of ticks carrying Ehrlichiosis within SA, this is the first case of a dog with the disease.
It comes as more ticks have been found with Ehrlichiosis, prompting South Australian Chief Veterinary Officer Mary Carr to urge dog owners to ensure dogs are on an appropriate tick repellent program.
"As expected, these discoveries indicate the disease is now established in SA," she said.
"The ticks and the dog with the disease were found in APY Lands communities and surrounding areas, so dogs living and travelling in the far northern areas where tick numbers are higher remain at the highest risk."
Dr Carr said the best protection for dogs was to prevent tick bites, by speaking with vets about a tick-repellent program, checking dogs regularly for ticks and avoiding potentially tick-infested areas.
"If your dog gets sick, tell your vet, including where and when you've travelled," she said.
"Dog owners in remote communities can reach out to local services like Nganampa Health Council, which may provide advice and support for animal health."
Dr Carr said Ehrlichiosis was a nationally notifiable disease, which meant veterinary confirmation was required if the disease was suspected.
Vets are able to access subsidised laboratory testing and report the disease through the national Emergency Animal Disease Watch hotline on 1800 675 888.
Dog owners in the affected communities have been advised not to move their dogs around unless healthy and free of ticks.
Ehrlichiosis is a disease of dogs that causes fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, abnormal bleeding, pain and weight loss. If not treated properly, it can result in death.
Already the disease is considered to have killed hundreds of dogs in northern WA and the NT, despite only being first discovered in Australia last year.
It is caused by a tick-borne bacteria called Ehrlichia canis.
Infected dog ticks are most likely to be present in remote far northern areas of SA.
Infected dogs do not transmit Ehrlichiosis to people, however, in rare cases, ticks may infect people.
- Details: pir.sa.gov.au/ehrlichiosis
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