Female cattle ticks preparing to lay eggs. Image credit: Jason Tidwell.

BIOSECURITY Queensland says it will run out of tick fever vaccines this week, with the shortage of supply expected to continue for the rest of the month.

A spokesperson said there will be doses of the vaccine available until this Thursday, with full production projected to return on July 11.

“The current shortage of tick fever vaccine is associated with the procurement of a component of the vaccine,” the spokesperson said.

“The Tick Fever Centre is working with the supplier to facilitate supply in the shortest possible time. Any interruptions to the supply of tick fever vaccine are always communicated to our clients.”

The frozen Combavac 3in1 vaccine is a short turnaround treatment, developed by Biosecurity Qld’s Tick Fever Centre in Brisbane and required to be used within four days of it being made.

A tick fever fact sheet by Meat & Livestock Australia says the vaccine is best used during weaning or branding or for cattle heading into ‘ticky’ areas, preferable 60 days before moving.

• For more information on the supply of tick vaccines contact the Tick Fever Centre by telephone on 07 3270 9600 or via email at TFC@daf.qld.gov.au