Heads up, Manly pet owners. Pets in the suburb have a high risk of tick infestation amidst a nationwide shortage of tick serum during what is being considered the worst tick season in Queensland.
Manly Road 24hr Veterinary Hospital has been witnessing a rise in tick infestation in pets at risk of paralysis following months of heavy rains. Tick season is particularly dangerous from September to November when flower gardens come alive but could be a hotbed for ticks.
“If you think Halloween is scary, it is NOTHING compared to tick paralysis,” the veterinary hospital warned.
“Tick prevention is not a suggestion it is an absolute must do! Even just toileting in your back yard your dog or cat can pick up a tick.”
It comes as supplies of tick serums to prevent an infestation, such as Bravecto, Nexgard and Simparica, are currently low and new stocks are not anticipated to arrive until December.
Brisbane Pet Surgery in Eagle Farm and UQVet in Saint Lucia confirmed they have been having a difficult time gathering supplies.
According to reports, the production of tick serums has been impacted by the flooding in northern NSW and the closure of locally-based manufacturers. Currently, Australian Veterinary Serum Laboratories in Lismore is the lone major bulk manufacturer for the whole country.
Manly Road 24hr Veterinary Hospital has these suggestions for pet owners as ticks can be prevented:
- Monthly Tick Prevention
- Keep your garden & lawns trimmed.
- Physically check your little soldier daily by rubbing your hands all over them. Pay close attention to their head & neck areas. (They will love all this attention)
- On their walks try to stick to paths & tracks & out of long grass & bushes.
- Bandicoots & rats can drop paralysis ticks in your yard so even in the safety of your little soldiers bunker they can be under threat.
“Tick paralysis is a major battle to fight on its own, but combine that with secondary complications like aspiration pneumonia then sometimes it is a battle that not even the strongest, smartest army of veterinarians can win,” the animal hospital stated.