Ticks are not commonly found in the Southern Tablelands but with the recent heavy rainfall there are increased reports of ticks affecting pets.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
In the worst case, certain ticks can cause paralysis and could kill calves, foals and domestic pets.
Veterinarian Catherine Culley of Culley Vet Services said that the region could be facing an escalating problem if ticks begin breeding in the area.
Read also:
Recently the veterinarian has treated animals in the Upper Lachlan Shire around Binda, Wheeo and Crookwell.
However, she said, it is not known where the animals picked up the parasite, and they may have travelled from Sydney or coastal areas.
The parasite could have travelled on either animals or people visiting the region. Ticks can also be introduced on plants, she said.
She has treated animals for the paralysis tick.
Dogs would begin to show signs of paralysis within two to three days of the tick attaching, she said.
"It's an ascending paralysis that starts with the back legs and works forward to the front legs and lungs," she said.
"Treatment is with tick anti-serum, intravenous fluids and checking thoroughly to get all the ticks off the animal."
She said that livestock, so far, may not have been affected.
To prevent ticks from attaching to your dog there are many monthly tick spot-on treatments or tablets readily available.