Pet owners are being urged to stay up to date with tick prevention this summer in light of the national shortage of tick paralysis antiserum, according to PetSure, Australia’s leading pet insurance underwriter.
Industry reports claim that recent wet weather conditions have contributed to a sudden spike in demand for the anti-toxin serum which has led to the Australia-wide shortage.
It’s predicted the serum shortage could last around 3-4 weeks.
According to PetSure’s 2022 Pet Health Monitor Report, tick paralysis can be costly to treat. In 2021 the average, cost relating to tick paralysis was $2, 201 for dogs and $1,657 for cats. The highest treatment cost for dogs was $26,248 *.
When reviewing the state breakdown, the highest prevalence of tick paralysis is in the coastal areas of Eastern Australia with New South Wales having the highest prevalence of tick paralysis cases in 2021 at (63.5%), followed by Queensland (32.6%).
Vet Advisor at PetSure, Dr Betty Chan, says it’s important for pet owners to be proactive when it comes to protecting their pet.
“The wet and warm weather this summer could mean we see a higher number of tick paralysis cases, so it’s important to be hyper aware especially if you live in a rural area or near bushland.
“Tick paralysis is preventable, so if your pet isn’t currently protected speak to your local vet about getting a year-round tick preventative.
“If you think your pet may have been impacted by a tick, seek veterinary assistance right away,” she said.
4 tips to protect your pet from ticks (attribute to Dr Betty Chan, Vet Advisor at PetSure):
- Purchase a good tick preventative: Pets should have year-round tick prevention to avoid tick paralysis. There are plenty of options for tick prevention available from general practice vets, and preventatives typically last around 3 months. Consult your vet about the best option for your furry friend.
- Check your pet daily: Check your dog or cat for ticks daily – check their tail, head, ears and under their collar to feel for any potential ticks.
- Know the warning signs: Common symptoms may include weakness in their back legs, loss of muscle movement, lethargy, and vomiting.
- Avoid bushland areas: If your dog isn’t protected, try to avoid taking them out in bushland or areas with long grass where there could be more ticks around.
To learn more about tick paralysis shortage check out this press article in 9Honey – Pets
For more information about how to protect your pet, check out PetSure’s knowledge hub article: Protecting your pets from paralysis ticks.
*Source: PetSure claims data 01/01/2021 – 31/12/2021, accurate as at January 2022
