Tick fever confirmed on beef property near Grafton

Tick fever has been confirmed on a beef property at Tynedale north of Grafton where six cattle have died from the disease. 

“Blood tests carried out this week confirmed tick fever as the cause of the cattle deaths,” said NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI) Regional Veterinary Officer Paul Freeman. 

“Regulatory officers have quarantined the affected property, and tick inspectors have examined the affected stock and found cattle ticks.” 

Mr Freeman said NSW DPI was working with the local Livestock Health and Pest Authority (LHPA) veterinarian on the case. 

“The remaining 170 cattle on the property are being monitored closely and are not showing signs of tick fever,” he said. 

“Tracing of stock movements on and off the property has been undertaken and no other cases of tick fever are expected related to this property. 

“The cattle ticks were originally detected on cattle at Grafton saleyard and traced back to the affected property. NSW DPI officers have inspected the neighbouring properties one of which is also infected and the likely source of the infestation.”    

Mr Freeman 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,” he 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 or your local NSW DPI office.” 

Mr Freeman said five northern NSW cattle properties were affected by tick fever last year involving the death of 24 cattle. 

“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 26 - down 30 per cent on the same time last year – which is important considering cattle ticks spread tick fever.” 

Mr Freeman said the NSW DPI’s principal focus is on controlling cattle ticks to reduce the threat of 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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