Following detection of Ehrlichiosis in dogs in the Northern Territory in June 2020, the Anindilyakwa Land Council have implemented further restrictions around the importation of domestic dogs to Groote Archipelago. Ehrlichiosis is a disease that occurs when a brown dog tick infected with the Ehrlichia canis bacteria bites a dog. Groote Eylandt is currently free of this disease and it is important that we keep it that way. If this disease establishes within the Groote Archipelago it represents a significant risk to domestic dog and dingo populations.

If you live on Groote and suspect your dog has Ehrlichiosis, you must immediately report it to your vet, the ALC Rangers or the Emergency Animal Disease hotline on 1800 675 888. 

Please click here to view the Ehrlichiosis factsheet and learn more about the signs and symptoms of the disease.

Movement Conditions:

In order to reduce the risk of Ehrlichiosis establishing on Groote or Bickerton the ALC has placed further conditions on all people wanting to bring a dog to the Archipelago from anywhere in Northern Australia. These movement conditions are similar to what has been implemented in Western Australia and aim to protect the biodiversity, social and cultural values of the Anindilyakwa Indigenous Protected Area.

Before moving a dog to the Groote Archipelago, the person responsible for that dog must complete a domestic animal application form and have their dog checked by a qualified veterinarian who must complete the dog health check form.

The application and health check forms can be found below.

Conditions of the dog being granted permission to enter are:

• A dog being moved must be fully vaccinated, surgically desexed and healthy with documented evidence from a vet supporting this.
• A tick treatment must be applied to the dog during the seven days before moving a dog. The tick treatment must be registered for brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus) and applied according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• The person responsible for the dog must keep a record of the treatment for brown dog tick for six months after the movement.
• The person responsible for the dog must contact the ALC Rangers if the dog becomes unwell following movement or call the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.

The above conditions apply to all people who are bringing dogs to the Groote Archipelago including Traditional Owners and residents of all communities and outstations including the GEMCO township of Alyangula.

Please click on the link below to complete a Domestic Animal Application Form.

If you are moving to or living in the GEMCO mining township of Alyangula, you must additionally register your dog with GEMCO by completing the Alyangula Dog Registration and Consent form linked below.

For more information regarding species of animals that are prohibited or restricted to within the Groote Archipelago, please see the prohibited plant and animal species list.