The two-year-old dog became lethargic, thin and listless, deteriorating to the point that it was admitted to a pet hospital for a week for a blood transfusion.
“I was really worried about him,” Ms Powell, an enrolled nurse, said.
Testing confirmed Leo had ehrlichiosis, a disease transmitted through bites from brown dog ticks carrying the Ehrlichia canis bacteria.
But what worried the specialists is that Leo lives in the urban Top End, which some experts fear is becoming a new stronghold for a disease spreading like wildfire.
The first Australian case was detected in the Kimberley region of Western Australia in May last year.
By June, cases were rapidly emerging in Katherine in the Northern Territory and the surrounding remote communities.
The Northern Territory government has recorded 370 confirmed cases — 110 in the Darwin and Arnhem Land region, 149 in the Katherine region, 36 in Tennant Creek and in Alice Springs and surrounds, 75.
Experts say countless more have been left undetected in remote communities with little intervention.
“When we finally got to bring him home, [the vets] said he needs to stay inside, he’s at risk of spontaneous bleeding and he might not make it,” Ms Powell said.
“It was very full-on, very emotional.
“There were tears basically every night.”
Until the first cases were discovered just last year, stringent biosecurity controls had kept ehrlichiosis out of Australia.
Experts are still baffled by how the disease got in but, according to Professor Peter Irwin from the School of Veterinary Medicine at Murdoch University, the disease is now considered “endemic” across the NT.
“Ehrlichiosis is one of the most serious diseases of dogs in my opinion,” he said.
“It makes them very ill, and many dogs can die.
“Once it establishes into a tick population, it’s very difficult to eradicate.”
Common symptoms include lethargy, fever and cloudy eyes, which can be cleared up with antibiotics but, if left untreated, the disease can lead to blindness, uncontrollable bleeding and death.
“The problem with this disease is that dogs travel and spread infected ticks,” Professor Irwin said.
“Dogs that have moved from an endemic area of the community into the city will possibly bring ticks with them, and the ticks can then drop off.
“There have now been dogs with the disease identified in most other capitals, most as a result of travel from the north.”
Doctor Stephen Cutter, the head veterinarian at Darwin’s Ark Animal Hospital, is no stranger to the crippling disease.
He said up to 40 per cent of the dogs are infected in the remote communities of the Top End he visits on rotation.
But in August of last year, he saw his first case in a pet that had not left urban Darwin.
Arielle Giles, a vet at the Darwin Veterinary Hospital, confirmed the disease’s spread to Darwin, saying she had seen six cases in the past three months.
“It’s a devastatingly bad disease and it’s really difficult to treat,” Dr Cutter said.
“It’s basically everywhere and it’s now a matter of living with it.”
Both Professor Irwin and Dr Cutter said keeping ticks at bay is the best way to prevent ehrlichiosis.
“Because the infection is transmitted so quickly from the tick bites, the most important way of protecting your dog is to use a product, such as a collar that kills ticks before they bite,” Professor Irwin said.
It has now been five months since Leo was struck down by the tiny parasite and, while he is still getting regular check-ups and his future is looking brighter, vets can’t give the all-clear.
“Ehrlichiosis is really nasty in that it can stay hidden in the bone marrow for a long period of time,” Dr Cutter said.
Earlier this year, the NT government brought on a new coordinator to transition the NT’s response to the disease from a biosecurity threat to managing the outbreak.
“This disease is a nationally notifiable disease, which means that suspected cases of E.canis need to be reported, and free testing can be carried out on blood samples from suspected dogs,” said the chief vet at the Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade, Dr Sue Fitzpatrick.
Demystifying Mango Worm Infestations: How Do They Occur and Steps to Stay Protected”
Title: “Demystifying Mango Worm Infestations: How Do They Occur and Steps to Stay Protected”
Introduction:
Mango worms, scientifically known as Cordylobia anthropophaga, are parasitic insects commonly found in parts of Africa and South America. These tiny yet notorious creatures are known for causing a peculiar and sometimes painful infestation in humans. In this article, we will unravel the causes, symptoms, and most importantly, the step-by-step measures to prevent mango worm infestations.
Step 1: Understanding the Mango Worm Lifecycle
Before we delve into preventive steps, it’s essential to comprehend the life cycle of mango worms. Mango worm larvae reside in the soil and often attach themselves to human hosts during specific activities.
Step 2: High-Risk Activities
People become more vulnerable to mango worm infestations during outdoor activities. Here’s what you need to be aware of:
– Walking Barefoot: In regions where mango worms are prevalent, walking barefoot is common. However, this practice can increase your risk of contact with larvae in the soil, which can burrow into your skin, especially on your feet.
– Ground Contact: Spending time on the ground for leisure, picnicking, or agricultural work can raise your chances of infestation. The larvae can transfer onto your skin during contact with the ground.
– Clothing Choices: Wearing clothing that exposes your skin, such as shorts and sleeveless tops, can make you susceptible to infestations. Larvae can attach to exposed areas and burrow into the skin.
Step 3: Recognizing the Symptoms
Once the larvae infiltrate the skin, they develop into mature worms, leading to symptoms like itching, pain, and visible lumps or bumps. If you experience these symptoms, it’s crucial to address them promptly.
Step 4: Preventive Measures
To safeguard yourself from mango worm infestations, follow these easy-to-implement steps:
– Wear Closed-Toe Shoes: When venturing into areas where mango worms are present, choose closed-toe shoes to protect your feet from contact with larvae in the soil.
– Avoid Ground Contact: If possible, refrain from direct contact with the ground. Use blankets, mats, or seating to create a barrier between yourself and the soil.
– Apply Insect Repellent: Using insect repellent on exposed skin can be a powerful defense against mango worm larvae.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, mango worm infestations can be avoided by understanding their causes and taking simple yet effective preventive measures. By wearing appropriate footwear, avoiding direct ground contact, and using insect repellent, you can significantly reduce the risk of infestations. Stay informed and protect yourself from this unique and uncomfortable parasitic experience,
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