Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Tick paralysis in Australian dogs and cats linked to climate
By Brazier, Isabel et al.·Published in Veterinary parasitology·2014·The University of Sydney, Australia·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: The association between landscape and climate and reported tick paralysis cases in dogs and cats in Australia.
Plain-English summary
A study in Australia found that dogs and cats are more likely to suffer from tick paralysis in areas with certain landscapes and climates, particularly where there are broadleaved trees and higher rainfall. During the study, over 5,500 cases were reported, mostly in New South Wales and Queensland. Pet owners in these regions should be especially vigilant for signs of tick paralysis, which can include weakness and difficulty walking. Early treatment is crucial, and using tick prevention products can help protect pets from these dangerous parasites.
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Abstract
The aim of this study was to describe the association between landscape and climate factors and the occurrence of tick paralysis cases in dogs and cats reported by veterinarians in Australia. Data were collated based on postcode of residence of the animal and the corresponding landscape (landcover and elevation) and climate (precipitation, temperature) information was derived. During the study period (October 2010-December 2012), a total of 5560 cases (4235 [76%] canine and 1325 [24%] feline cases) were reported from 341 postcodes, mostly along the eastern seaboard of Australia and from the states of New South Wales and Queensland. Significantly more cases were reported from postcodes which contained areas of broadleaved, evergreen tree coverage (P=0.0019); broadleaved, deciduous open tree coverage (P=0.0416); and water bodies (P=0.0394). Significantly fewer tick paralysis cases were reported from postcodes which contained areas of sparse herbaceous or sparse shrub coverage (P=0.0297) and areas that were cultivated and managed (P=0.0005). No significant (P=0.6998) correlation between number of tick paralysis cases reported per postcode and elevation was found. Strong positive correlations were found between number of cases reported per postcode and the annual minimum (rSP=0.9552, P<0.0001) and maximum (rSP=0.9075; P=0.0001) precipitation. Correlations between reported tick paralysis cases and temperature variables were much weaker than for precipitation, rSP<0.23. For maximum temperature, the strongest correlation between cases was found in winter (rSP=0.1877; P=0.0005) and for minimum temperature in autumn (rSP=0.2289: P<0.0001). Study findings suggest that tick paralysis cases are more likely to occur and be reported in certain eco-climatic zones, such as those with higher rainfall and containing tree cover and areas of water. Veterinarians and pet owners in these zones should be particularly alert for tick paralysis cases to maximize the benefits of early treatment, and to be vigilant to use chemical prophylaxis to reduce the risk of tick parasitism.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24893694/