News and updates
From Dogs Australia: Ehrlichiosis in Australia - the advancing threat10-03-2026
Cases of Canine Ehrlichiosis have now been seen extensively across northern Australia, from Western Australia, Northern Territory, Northern and Northwestern Queensland and down through northern parts of South Australia. This is no longer a notifiable disease as the condition is now seen as endemic in these areas and the chance of eradication of this terrible disease has long gone. There is still a biosecurity obligation to take all reasonable steps if you suspect you have an infected dog to prevent further spread of this disease.
Cases have been reported in every state bar Tasmania, however, at this point in time, cases reported in both NSW and VIC have been from dogs that have travelled from the Northern Territory. There are new restrictions on dogs travelling into Tasmania as a result.
The number of areas where cases have been reported in QLD has increased and at latest reporting (early 2026), many north and north-western districts have been listed including Mt Isa, Townsville, Carpentaria to list a few.
Any dog that is travelling through brown dog tick infested areas of Australia (including the whole of Queensland) may be at risk of infection. Brown dog tick infested areas include northern NSW, and with increasing climate warming, this line may push ever southwards. Maps that show the extent of where the brown dog tick is found throughout Australia can be seen on most (DAFF) Government sites.
Equally, most state web sites now have fairly up-to-date information available on Ehrlichiosis, the disease, its treatment and ways to try and prevent infection.
This is a deadly disease, and all dog owners should be aware of this advancing threat.
Best sites to check:-
Cases have been reported in every state bar Tasmania, however, at this point in time, cases reported in both NSW and VIC have been from dogs that have travelled from the Northern Territory. There are new restrictions on dogs travelling into Tasmania as a result.
The number of areas where cases have been reported in QLD has increased and at latest reporting (early 2026), many north and north-western districts have been listed including Mt Isa, Townsville, Carpentaria to list a few.
Any dog that is travelling through brown dog tick infested areas of Australia (including the whole of Queensland) may be at risk of infection. Brown dog tick infested areas include northern NSW, and with increasing climate warming, this line may push ever southwards. Maps that show the extent of where the brown dog tick is found throughout Australia can be seen on most (DAFF) Government sites.
Equally, most state web sites now have fairly up-to-date information available on Ehrlichiosis, the disease, its treatment and ways to try and prevent infection.
This is a deadly disease, and all dog owners should be aware of this advancing threat.
Best sites to check:-
- Australian Government’s Department of Agriculture: Review details on Canine Ehrlichiosis guidelines for dog owners and guidelines for veterinarians.
- Ehrlichia canis information for veterinarians | Business Queensland - updated 4.11.25.
I would strongly recommend that all owners regularly check their individual state’s information bases (usually the Department of Agriculture) for regular updates on this fairly rapidly moving situation. While 2 of these sites are aimed at veterinarians, they offer very good information about the disease itself, its diagnosis, treatment and above all, prevention!
Check dates, recent updates are important to keep in mind as the most current information available of where the deadly disease is moving.
Dr Karen Hedberg BVSc,
Chair Dogs Australia Health and Wellbeing Committee
March 2026
@dogsnsw
