NSW north west stockowners advised to check for cattle ticks

NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI) is advising cattle producers in the NSW north west to look out for cattle ticks following a case of tick fever in a beef herd near Quirindi south of Tamworth.

“Tick fever was confirmed yesterday following the deaths of 22 head of cattle on the Quirindi property,” said NSW DPI Regional Veterinary Officer Samantha Allan.

“NSW DPI regulatory officers have quarantined the affected property, and found cattle ticks on the stock.

“The remaining 390 cattle on the property are being monitored closely for signs of tick fever – and will undergo a treatment program to eradicate the ticks.

“Tracing of stock movements on and off the property is also being undertaken to check the source of the disease and the potential for further spread.”

Ms Allan said it was unusual for cattle ticks and tick fever to occur in the Tamworth region.

“Cattle ticks which can spread tick fever are more usually found in the north east of the State but they can occur anywhere in NSW,” Ms Allan said.

“Now we have this case in the Tamworth district, all cattle producers should check their stock and report any unusual ticks to the NSW DPI or the Livestock Health and Pest Authority (LHPA).”

Ms Allan said NSW DPI was working with the local LHPA staff on the case.

She said tick fever is caused by a parasite of red blood cells and the only thing that can spread tick fever is cattle ticks.

“Signs of tick fever in cattle include fever for several days, loss of appetite, weakness, a reluctance to move and red urine,” she said.

“Stockowners who suspect their stock have cattle ticks or tick fever should contact NSW DPI at Wollongbar on
(02) 6626 1201, their private veterinarian, their local LHPA office or the emergency animal disease watch hotline on
1800 675 888.

“Brochures to help with the identification of cattle ticks are available from the numbers above, your local NSW DPI office, or from the NSW DPI website www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/agriculture/livestock/health/specific/cattle/ticks).

“The important message for stockowners is to check their stock for cattle ticks and any signs of tick fever because treatments are available and early identification can keep losses to a minimum.

“The number of new cattle tick infestations in NSW this year is 34 - down 15 per cent on the same time last year – which is important considering cattle ticks spread tick fever.”

Cattle ticks are a notifiable disease in NSW, meaning stockowners must report findings and any outbreaks must be eradicated. Cattle and other livestock coming from tick-infected Queensland must also be treated for cattle ticks before they enter NSW.

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