A Dairy herd on a property north of Kyogle, north east NSW, is under quarantine following the confirmation of tick fever in a single cow.
Department of Primary Industries warned coastal producers to be vigilant as peak tick season kicks in.
DPI staff treated the cow and said there is only a light infestation of cattle tick in the herd.
However, regulatory officers are also investigating the movements of cattle to determine if any possibly infected animals moved to other herds or properties.
There had been Queensland introductions to the affected Kyogle herd.
Additional clinical cases on the farm are unlikely now that treatment for cattle tick has commenced, authorities said.
Cattle tick numbers have grown after recent warm weather
DPI Senior Veterinary Officer at Lismore Paul Freeman said ticks thrive in the hot and moist conditions that currently prevail in the region.
However, as grass growth intensified in paddocks there was less straying, which could reduce the likelihood of outbreaks, he said.
NSW has had eight outbreaks since the start of this tick season, on October 1, which is on par with last’s season figures.
Cattle ticks are the most serious external cattle parasite in Australia and can transmit tick fever, a potential fatal disease of cattle.
There were two cases of tick fever in NSW last year, one fatal.
Minister for Primary Industries Katrina Hodgkinson urged North Coast livestock producers to be vigilant.
“This is a timely reminder for cattle producers to tighten their farm biosecurity measures and check for cattle ticks and tick fever,” she said.
“While there were only the two known cases of tick fever last season, there were 93 new cattle tick infestations in NSW.
“This is why it is so important that producers remain vigilant and inspect their herds regularly and report any signs of cattle ticks.
“Every time cattle ticks are detected in NSW the herd is subject to a supervised eradication program using chemicals to kill ticks and then inspected to ensure they have been eradicated.”
Cattle tick and tick fever are notifiable diseases in NSW. Producers and veterinarians are obligated to inform DPI or Local Land Services inspectors if they suspect cattle tick or tick fever.
Source: ABC Rural
