The Australian paralysis tick (Ixodes holocyclus) is endemic along the east coast of Australia and is responsible for thousands of livestock deaths each year and, regrettably, the alpaca is no exception. The ‘tick season’ varies from one region to another and may start as early as June/July but in some areas has been known to be active all year round. No matter what area you are in, always check with the local veterinarian as to the initial emergence of ticks – the day the first dog arrives in the surgery with tick paralysis usually heralds the start of the ‘tick season’.
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