Ehrlichiosis is a tick-borne[3] bacterial infection,[4] caused by bacteria of the family Anaplasmataceae, genera Ehrlichia and Anaplasma.

[9] On August 3, 2011, infection by a yet-unnamed bacterium in the genus Ehrlichia was reported, carried by deer ticks and causing flu-like symptoms in at least 25 people in Minnesota and Wisconsin.

[11] Specific symptoms include fever, chills, severe headaches, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, confusion, and a splotchy or pinpoint rash.

Ehrlichiosis can also blunt the immune system by suppressing production of TNF-alpha, which may lead to opportunistic infections such as candidiasis.

[13] Experiments in mouse models further support this hypothesis, as mice lacking TNF-alpha I/II receptors are resistant to liver injury caused by Ehrlichia infection.

[17] Dogs with this disease can develop anemia which will show low platelet count which can eventually result to bleeding or blindness.

However, in late 2012, a breakthrough in the prevention of canine monocytic ehrlichiosis was announced when a vaccine was accidentally discovered by Prof. Shimon Harrus, Dean of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem's Koret School of Veterinary Medicine.

[19] Since prevention is the most advanced way of fighting the disease, the veterinarians advise dog owners to get rid of ticks and fleas by using products like Advantix®, Frontline Plus®, Vectra 3D® or Bravecto®.

[5] Early clinical experience suggested that chloramphenicol may also be effective, but in vitro susceptibility testing revealed resistance.

[citation needed] Since decline in platelets may also be evident in dogs with this disease, Eupherbia Hirta (Tawa-tawa in Philippines) can also be a supplemental treatment.