04/11/2022
β οΈ WARNING β οΈ
Queensland vets are calling on all pet owners to ensure their pet's tick prevention is up to date now more than ever, as life-saving tick antiserum faces a national shortage.
The primary treatment for pets suffering from tick paralysis is the antiserum, without it the disease is likely to be fatal.
The shortage has been caused by the flood in Northern NSW, making it near impossible to collect ticks for producing the antiserum. This has then been exacerbated by one of our worst tick seasons in recent years.
Over the past three months our Animal Emergency Service hospitals have seen 710 tick paralysis cases, an increase of 27% on last year's numbers.
Our Animal Emergency Service team have been working with suppliers to secure sufficient levels of serum. However, this will depend on whether the tick season continues to worsen.
Many Queensland veterinary clinics are running short and likely to run out. The situation is only expected to become worse, with suppliers predicting another batch of the serum won't be available until early December.
There are two things you can do to keep their pet's safe from ticks:
πΎ Keep your pet's tick prevention up to date. Even the most reliable prevention won't work if it's overdue! Not sure which tick prevention is best for your pet? Speak with your vet today.
πΎ Search your pet regularly for ticks.
Paralysis ticks are life-threatening if not treated. If you do find a tick, see your vet or closest emergency vet immediately.
For more information about tick paralysis, including signs and symptoms, treatment and prevention, visit > https://bit.ly/3zDszLN