Greyhound Trainers please note that three dogs (not greyhounds) that were recently brought into NSW from the Northern Territory have tested positive to Ehrlichia canis, or E. canis. All affected dogs remain under veterinary supervision by private veterinarians.

E. canis is the causative agent of canine ehrlichiosis, was detected in a small number of domesticated dogs in the Halls Creek, Northern Territory and Kununurra, Western Australia area in May 2020. This was the first detection of E. canis in Australia. Further detections have occurred in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. E. canis was subsequently confirmed in domesticated dogs in Katherine and Alice Springs in the Northern Territory in June 2020.

Infection with E. canis is a notifiable disease in Australia. If you suspect ehrlichiosis in any greyhound in NSW, please notify GWIC immediately on 13 49 42 and call the Emergency Animal Disease hotline on 1800 675 888.

Ehrlichiosis is a disease spread by the brown dog tick. It primarily affects dogs. It can result in death if not properly treated. In very rare cases, infected ticks may infect people. Infections in people are usually easy to treat.

Resources:
E. canis Fact Sheet