Cattle ticks.

Seven properties have been quarantined and testing is underway following the detection of cattle tick fever on the NSW north coast.

Department of Primary Industries Senior Veterinary Officer, Paul Freeman, said cattle tick fever was confirmed in a small beef herd near Kempsey.

“The District veterinarian with the North Coast Local Lands Services has taken samples from the herd for tick fever for laboratory testing, and that testing has confirmed the presence of cattle tick fever,” Mr Freeman said.

“To date two head have died from tick fever and one sick animal has been treated.

“Some animals in the herd were introduced from QLD and it’s believed may be the source of the tick fever.

“The infested property has been quarantined, along with six adjoining properties.

“Further tracing is underway to determine the extent of the outbreak and whether it has spread.

“A number of herds have been examined and no ticks found and the other two properties are currently being examined.”

There have been 30 new cattle tick infestations this season compared to 26 at the same time last year.

Cattle ticks are the most serious external parasite of cattle in Australia.

They can attach to cattle, horses and other livestock and can transmit tick fever, a potentially fatal disease of cattle.

The tick fever agent is carried in the blood and transmitted by cattle ticks when they feed.

“Cattle tick infestation is notifiable in NSW which means stockowners are required by law to inform the authorities of any findings on their stock,” Mr Freeman said.

“Livestock owners are being reminded to tighten their farm biosecurity and be on the look-out for cattle ticks as we come into the peak period for cattle ticks in NSW.”

Important steps for owners of cattle, horses and other livestock include:

• Maintain your fencing in good order to prevent livestock from straying
• ensure any livestock you bring onto your property are not carrying cattle ticks
• if you are bringing livestock in from Queensland, ensure they stop at the border for inspection and treatment.

There are movement requirements for horses, cattle or other livestock entering NSW from QLD. Details on those requirements can be found on the NSW DPI website or by contacting any NSW DPI or Local Land Services office.

Penalties of up to $10,000 apply for persons who fail to observe the movement requirements.