Cattle Tick Management: A Warning for Southern Producers

With warmer weather approaching, a Queensland cattle producer has issued a warning to southern cattle owners about the potential for cattle ticks, a notifiable pest, to travel southward. As livestock movement increases, heightened vigilance is essential.

Recent Cases Spark Concerns

Reports have surfaced of cattle ticks being found on horses in Victoria, likely transported from Queensland. Agriculture Victoria confirmed that cattle ticks have been sporadically detected in the state through livestock movement, emphasizing their status as a notifiable disease under the Livestock Disease Control Act 1994.

An Agriculture Victoria spokesperson stated, “Cattle and horse owners are urged to remain alert and contact their veterinarian or Agriculture Victoria if they suspect their animals may be infested.”

Cattle Ticks and Their Hosts

Although cattle are the primary hosts for cattle ticks, these pests can also infest horses, goats, sheep, deer, camelids, and buffalo. Victoria employs robust protocols when ticks are identified. These protocols include quarantine measures, treatment of livestock and related items, and property management strategies designed to prevent further infestations.

Outbreaks in Queensland’s Tick-Free Zone

The most recent outbreak in Queensland’s tick-free zone was reported in November 2024 at the Roma Saleyards, leading to infestations at at least nine properties in the Bymount region. A spokesperson for the Department of Primary Industries noted that the number of infested properties fluctuates yearly, influenced by factors such as weather, cattle populations, and livestock movement trends.

Eradication Challenges and Biosecurity Measures

Eradicating cattle ticks from infested land is a time-consuming process, requiring diligent management and optimal conditions. According to a DPI representative, “The timeline for properties to regain tick-free status can vary widely, potentially taking months or even years.”

Sean Dillon, Queensland’s Assistant Minister for Primary Industry Development, reinforced the importance of biosecurity, especially for producers near infected areas. He advised, “If you purchase cattle from infected regions, ensure you follow the necessary protocols, and treat cattle that may have been on agistment.”

Future Outlook for Victoria

While some veterinarians express concerns about the viability of ticks on horses, they also suggest that these ticks are less likely to survive through the winter months in southern regions. One veterinarian remarked, “Though horses can host ticks, they are not as effective hosts as cattle, and any potential outbreak would likely diminish with the changing seasons.”

Regulations for Livestock Movement

Queensland’s DPI mandates that all horses moved interstate must meet specific travel requirements, particularly in ensuring they are tick-free when transitioning from the tick-infested zone to the tick-free zone. Detailed guidelines can be found on the Queensland Government website.

The Call for a Control Zone

Some cattle producers have voiced their desire for a reinstated control or buffer zone between the infested and tick-free areas, a measure that was removed in 2016. Minister for Primary Industries Tony Perrett acknowledged the gravity of the situation, stating, “We are committed to restoring biosecurity strength after several years of decline in resources.”

With significant investments in biosecurity, including the addition of 100 officers, the Queensland government is working with graziers to address cattle tick management efficiently.