Estimated seroprevalence of Ehrlichia canis in dogs in a remote community in the Northern Territory, Australia.

BACKGROUND

The emergence of Ehrlichia canis in northern Australia in 2020 has reshaped the landscape of tick-borne diseases in dogs, particularly in rural and remote communities where the brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus linnaei) is endemic. Despite the rapid spread of ehrlichiosis and reported impacts on dog health, its prevalence remains poorly understood. This study aims to provide baseline data on the epidemiology of E. canis in Australia by determining its seroprevalence in dogs from a remote Northern Territory community.

METHODS

In a cross-sectional study, an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) assessed the point seroprevalence of E. canis in community dogs. A door-to-door census was undertaken to quantify resident dogs and obtain information on signalment and clinical signs. Canine serum samples were evaluated for seroreactivity to E. canis at the state reference laboratory.

RESULTS

Of the 48 dogs present in the community, 44 (91.2%) were included in the serosurvey. ELISA testing found a point seroprevalence of 52.3% (95% CI: 36.7% to 67.5%) for E. canis. Seropositive dogs were mostly asymptomatic and had similar body condition scores to seronegative dogs.

CONCLUSIONS

This study documents a high point seroprevalence of E. canis in dogs from a remote Australian community. There was no significant correlation between serostatus and gender, body condition or the presence of clinical signs. These results underscore the need for further research to understand the clinical significance of seropositivity in asymptomatic dogs and highlight the need for a locally validated diagnostic test to support field-based surveillance and management of ehrlichiosis in Australia.