The ‘other’ epidemic: canine ehrlichiosis in Australia

Canine monocytic ehrlichiosis (Ehrlichia canis infection) is a serious tick-transmitted disease of dogs that was considered exotic to Australia until recently. The first reported across northern and central in 2020, with significant canine morbidity mortalities observed at indigenous communities where dog numbers are high, ticks superabundant, tick prevention scant. date location the incursion unknown, yet comparative genomic analysis suggest Australian E. may have originated from Asia or Middle East. Veterinarians nationwide on alert for this notifiable since cases been southern locations as consequence moving infected endemic areas. Acute infections respond favourably doxycycline therapy, however chronic results bone marrow failure death. Tick prophylaxis key preventing best achieved using products repel kill before they attach. Although reports exist zoonosis, there no evidence strain involved current outbreak poses risk humans.