Distribution, seasonality and risk factors for tick paralysis in Australian dogs and cats

The relationship between the Southern Oscillation Index, rainfall and the occurrence of canine tick paralysis, feline tick paralysis and canine parvovirus in Australia

“…Canine parvovirus and tick paralysis are commonly diagnosed diseases in Australian small animal veterinary practice (Ling et al, 2012;Eppleston et al, 2013) that have a substantial impact on patient health and mortality as well as placing a heavy emotional and financial burden on owners. It is therefore sensible to pursue possible indicators of the occurrence of these diseases, in an effort to develop targeted prevention programmes that might include, for example, vaccination against canine parvovirus and vigilance for signs of tick paralysis.…”

Acute Lower Motor Neuron Tetraparesis

“…[62][63][64][65] Cats in North America seem to be resistant to the disease, but they are affected in Australia. 62,66 In fact, tick paralysis has been described in several animal species (cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, chickens, dogs, cats) and in people (mainly children). 51,62,63 The disease has been described primarily in North America and Australia, but cases with apparent tick paralysis have been reported caused by other tick species in Europe.…”

“…67 The larger percentage of cases occurs in the Pacific Northwest of the United States, adjacent areas in Southwestern Canada, and across the eastern coast of Australia. 63,66 In Australia, the geographic distribution of I holocyclus is determined by the presence of alternative host species (native bandicoots, koalas, and possums) but also by climate and vegetation, with high humidity and low vegetation associated with more tick paralysis cases. 66 In addition, tick paralysis in Australia is a highly seasonal disease, with most cases reported during spring and summer when female tick numbers are highest.…”

“…63,66 In Australia, the geographic distribution of I holocyclus is determined by the presence of alternative host species (native bandicoots, koalas, and possums) but also by climate and vegetation, with high humidity and low vegetation associated with more tick paralysis cases. 66 In addition, tick paralysis in Australia is a highly seasonal disease, with most cases reported during spring and summer when female tick numbers are highest. 62,66 Pathophysiology Tick paralysis is caused by a toxin elaborated in the large salivary glands of feeding females of various species of ticks.…”

“…66 In addition, tick paralysis in Australia is a highly seasonal disease, with most cases reported during spring and summer when female tick numbers are highest. 62,66 Pathophysiology Tick paralysis is caused by a toxin elaborated in the large salivary glands of feeding females of various species of ticks. The toxin of the Australian ticks (holocylotoxin) is a protein neurotoxin of unidentified chemical structure.…”