The Senate Inquiry into an emerging tick-borne disease that causes a Lyme-like illness for many Australians reported on November 30th, 2016.



The Final Report indicated the priority was Patients First, stating: "...people are unwell, and they must be helped. It is therefore the committee's primary objective, in this, its final report on this inquiry, to put the patients first."



Minister Hunt, it's time for Health Department leadership on Australian Lyme Disease – please take immediate action on the Senate Inquiry Final Report recommendations.

Lyme Disease Association of Australia Statement.

"The denial of locally acquired Lyme disease is based on a 20+ year old study into ticks which investigated a narrow spectrum of Borrelia and failed to further evaluate other evidence identified. International science has progressed with at least 100 Borrelia strains identified in the U.S. and up to 300 strains globally. (Source: Dr Richard Horowitz M.D.)

In 2014 the government confirmed that Australia's official Lyme disease diagnostic pathology tests were ‘discordant’, meaning a negative test does not exclude the disease being present.



The LDAA asserts that there is an Australian Lyme disease. Research has not been urgently prioritised to identify the causative pathogens allowing the incidence of this emerging vector-borne disease to increase unchecked.

The suggestion that patients, their carers and doctors should wait years for research projects is unreasonable. Australian Lyme patients are the evidence needed.

We request the Government to prioritise Patients First. Recognise the Lyme-like illness that is making Australians sick and make it an urgent health priority."