A recent study conducted by the University of Queensland has identified that the head and neck of pets should be the primary focus when searching for paralysis ticks. This finding is crucial for pet owners, especially when dogs and cats exhibit symptoms of tick envenomation, which can be fatal if not addressed promptly.
The research, led by Professor Stephen Barker from the School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, is the largest of its kind in Australia, analyzing over 10,000 cases of tick envenomation recorded at veterinary hospitals in cities including Brisbane, the Gold Coast, the Sunshine Coast, and the northern beaches of Sydney. The study revealed that the paralysis tick, known scientifically as Ixodes holocyclus, was found on the head, neck, or ears of 73 percent of dogs and 63 percent of cats diagnosed with tick toxicity.
Professor Barker emphasized the importance of targeted searches: “If pet owners and veterinary clinics focus on where ticks most often occur, crucial treatment can be started sooner.” While ticks can be discovered in other locations such as the nostrils and genitalia of pets, the statistical evidence suggests that prioritizing the head and neck area yields the best outcomes.
The research also highlighted an interesting behavioral aspect of ticks. Professor Barker noted that it does not seem to matter where a tick initially attaches to an animal, as they typically migrate to the head and neck areas. “We don’t know why this is the case, but it appears adult female ticks, which are the most dangerous, prefer these regions over their initial point of contact,” he explained.
This study builds on Professor Barker’s previous research, which found that the severity of tick seasons is influenced by weather conditions during the preceding summer. “If summer is mild and wet, most of the eggs will survive to hatch and become adult ticks in spring,” he said. “This means that more ticks will be looking for hosts to feed from.”
Looking ahead to the current tick season, Professor Barker predicts it will resemble the previous year, which resulted in around 5,000 tick-related veterinary visits in eastern Australia, with approximately 1 in 10 of those pets succumbing to tick-related complications.
To mitigate risks, he advises pet owners to remain vigilant. “Check your animals after each outing, and while in tick-prone areas, keep dogs on a lead and stick to marked paths,” he said. He also stressed that if pet owners suspect their animal has been affected, they should seek veterinary care immediately: “Do not delay since every hour may be critical to the survival of the pet.”
The comprehensive findings of this significant study are published in the Australian Veterinary Journal, providing vital insights for pet owners and veterinary professionals alike in the ongoing battle against paralysis ticks.
