South East QLD in the grip of a tick paralysis outbreak – AWLQ warns pet owners as mortality rates rise

South East Queensland is experiencing a surge in tick paralysis cases among pets, with the Animal Welfare League Queensland (AWLQ) Community Veterinary Clinics (CVCs) seeing an alarming increase due to rising temperatures and lack of tick preventatives.

The Gold Coast clinic alone has treated 33 cases in September, with 14 cases occurring in the week of 14-21 September and resulting in a heartbreaking 43% mortality rate. Since August, Brisbane has reported 12 tick cases with nearly half resulting in deaths, while Ipswich has seen 10 tick cases since August with no fatalities.

Dr Dia from AWLQ’s Gold Coast CVC reports that early-season tick paralysis often presents with more severe symptoms. The initial more subtle symptoms can sometimes be missed by owners.

“By the time pets reach us, paralysis can progress rapidly, making treatment difficult and very expensive. Advanced cases require 24hr emergency care, including ventilation, which general practices can’t provide. It’s heartbreaking to see so many preventable cases.”

Treatment costs can run into thousands of dollars, while effective prevention—including collars, spot-on treatments and oral medications—generally costs under $100 for months of protection. AWLQ urges pet owners to act now and protect their pets before it’s too late.

AWLQ CVC recently assisted with saving the life of Hanuman, a 1.5-year-old Cavoodle, after being referred from another clinic. When admitted to AWLQ’s Gold Coast CVC, Hanuman was severely paralysed and received emergency intensive care including anti-tick serum, oxygen therapy, sedation and IV fluids. As his condition worsened, he was transferred to an emergency 24hr facility for monitoring and ventilation and was discharged after a week of critical care.

Hanuman’s owner expressed deep gratitude for saving his life, but described the experience as extremely stressful and emotional and hopes his story will encourage others to take prevention seriously.

Dr Dia concludes, “There are many effective tick prevention options for dogs and cats. We urge all pet owners to visit their local veterinary clinics or pet shops now to protect their pets. The cost of prevention is minor compared to the expense and heartbreak of tick paralysis treatment.”

AWLQ’s Brisbane and Gold Coast CVC’s are currently stretched to their limits and are imploring owners to take tick prevention action. AWLQ vets report the majority of cases are coming from postcodes 4211, 4209, 4213, 4270 and 4305.

To learn more about tick prevention, please contact your local vet, or contact AWLQ’s CVC’s for more information awlqld.com.au/vet-clinics/

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About Animal Welfare League Queensland
Founded in 1959, AWLQ has become a trusted leader in animal welfare. We provide a safe haven and second chance for more than 10,000 stray and homeless animals annually. To each of these animals we welcome through our doors, we promise never to euthanise a healthy, sociable, or treatable animal in our care. In addition to our shelter work, we are committed to keeping pets and people together by providing lifesaving support and resources to people in need with companion animals. We are known for our grassroots and innovative community-based animal welfare work, including our community vet clinics, the Getting 2 Zero model, the Golden HeartsTM Seniors’ Support Program, and the National Desexing Network.