Biosecurity measures reduce tick risk
Following two confirmed, unrelated cases of tick fever in the northern New England region recently, vets from the New England Livestock Health and Pest Authority are reminding producers to be vigilant when introducing cattle from tick infected areas.
The cattle tick (Boophilus microplus) is instrumental in transmitting tick fever, a potentially fatal disease, which makes it one of the most important external parasites affecting Australian cattle.
Dr Lisa Martin, New England LHPA district veterinarian based in Tenterfield, says cattle ticks are a notifiable disease in NSW, meaning producers must report findings of cattle ticks and any outbreaks must be eradicated.
"Producers moving cattle, horses and other livestock from ‘tick infected’ areas of south-east Queensland are reminded to meet requirements for entry to the ‘tick free’ zones of Queensland and NSW, such as clean inspections and/or treatments," she said.
"An appropriate chemical treatment such as a macrocyclic lactone should be used to guard against the introduction of resistant cattle ticks.
"After arriving at their destination, stock should be kept in a holding paddock and quarantined from other stock for two to three weeks. This allows for easy monitoring of the newly arrived stock for ticks and may help to prevent the spread of ticks to other stock."
Dr Martin said it’s important to monitor new stock for ticks or signs of tick fever as early treatment and identification can keep losses and areas quarantined to a minimum.
"In cattle, tick fever can cause loss of appetite, weakness, abortion, red urine, fever for several days and ultimately death," said Dr Martin.
"If you are seeing these signs in your stock, suspect tick fever or need assistance identifying ticks, contact your local LHPA on 6732 1200 (Glen Innes), 6772 2366 (Armidale), or 6736 1355 (Tenterfield); private veterinarian; or the NSW Department of Primary Industries Cattle Tick Program officers on 6626 1201.
"Remember you may not only be putting your stock at risk, but also those of your neighbours if you fail to take precautions when introducing stock from tick infested areas."
Dr Martin also suggested that producers should routinely practice good biosecurity following any stock introductions, including the application of chemical treatments to minimise the introduction of worms as well as other external parasites.
Media contact: Kylie Dunn 6391 3720 / 0428 465 378