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Flinders Island Spotted Fever
Potentially fatal disease transmitted by Reptile Ticks

Rickettsia honei , a bacteria carried by ticks is responsible for Flinders Island Spotted Fever in Australia. Four recent cases (2001 -2005) were confirmed from near Adelaide, and were treated succesfully with antibiotics. These are the first confirmed cases on the Australian mainland. It is however suspected that this is a widespread disease. The "Blue-tongued Lizard Tick"(Aponomma hydrosauri) appears to be the main carrier.The Shingleback Lizard (Tiliqua rogusa), Tiger Snakes (Notechis scutatus), Copperhead Snakes (Austrelaps superbus), and Lowlands Blotched Blue Tongue lizards (Tiliqua nigrolutea) apparently carry ticks associated with this disease.

APONOMMA HYDROSAURI,
THE REPTILE-ASSOCIATED TICK RESERVOIR OF RICKETTSIA HONEI
ON FLINDERS ISLAND, AUSTRALIA

Distribution map for the Blue-tongue Lizard Tick.

Ultrastructural and genetic evidence of a reptilian tick, Aponomma hydrosauri,
as a host of Rickettsia honei in Australia: possible transovarial transmission.

Ticks of Australia Tick Alert Support Group

Common Insect Pests - Ticks Triton Pest Control

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