Deadly dog disease spread by brown tick

Deadly dog disease spread by brown dog tick on the move

To all you truck drivers that take your four legged friends with you, please be aware that a quick spreading and deadly dog disease is escalating fast across northern Australia and ticks infected with the deadly bacteria have been discovered in northern South Australia. Experts say it is only a matter of time before every dog in Australia is at risk.

In little more than six months, the common brown dog tick has become infected with the deadly dog disease ehrlichiosis and hundreds of dogs have already died in Western Australia and the Northern Territory from it.

Professor Peter Irwin, principal of the College of Veterinary Medicine at Perth's Murdoch University, said, "This is a disaster which is happening right now, it has got in and there's no way to get it out again."

Western Australia has movement conditions on dogs moving out of the Kimberley region and conditions on dogs entering southern WA from the Northern Territory. Owners of infected dogs in the NT have been advised not to move them out of the area.

Working dogs, wild dogs, domestic dogs can all fall victim to this highly infectious disease.

It is not breed specific, the most vulnerable would be those dogs with no Investing in well-planned transport projects will keep the Bunbury region moving and boost its status as a major economic regional centre

tick control, but even that is no guarantee.

The bacteria ehrlichia canis was first detected at Halls Creek and Kununurra in the WA back in May and was then found in Katherine NT in June.

Ehrlichiosis is now a nationally notifiable disease. Symptoms seem to vary considerably among dogs and typically include fever, lethargy, enlarged lymph nodes, loss of appetite, discharge from eyes and nose, weight loss, anaemia and bleeding disorders and if not treated – death.

It is advised to help prevent the disease that dog owners should maintain an effective tick control program, avoid taking dogs into tick-infested areas where possible and inspect your dog regularly for ticks and if you suspect anything – take them to the vet immediately. W ork on the biggest South-West road infrastructure project, the Bunbury Outer Ring Road, kicked off in February.

The South West Gateway Alliance, comprising Acciona, NRW Contracting, MACA Civil, AECOM and Aurecon, together with Main Roads, will build the 27-kilometre, four-lane, highstandard road from Forrest Highway near Australind to the Bussell Highway, south of Bunbury.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said once complete, the project would improve freight capacity, efficiency and productivity across the region. "Well-planned infrastructure projects such as the Bunbury Outer Ring Road are vital for the Bunbury area," the Deputy Prime Minister said. "The project has been planned for a number of years, recognising the significance of delivering vital infrastructure to provide a safer and more efficient road system for the South West of Western Australia. "Bunbury Outer Ring Road will provide relief for local residents by removing freight and regional traffic from local roads while maintaining easy access to Bunbury and other regional destinations. "Investing in well-planned transport projects will keep the Bunbury region moving and boost its status as a major economic regional centre - I'm pleased to see this project get underway.

Premier of Western Australia Mark McGowan said the $852 million road project was the biggest ever undertaken in the South-West. "The Bunbury Outer Ring Road will generate significant economic and employment opportunities," the Premier said.

The $852 million Bunbury Outer Ring Road project is jointly funded by the Australian Government ($681.6 million) and Western Australian Government ($170.4 million) .