QUEENSLAND producers with known cattle tick infestations need to commence tick eradication programs this week or face continued movement restrictions until at least mid-2028.

Owners of Restricted Places for cattle tick in the Qld cattle tick free zone are obligated under the Biosecurity Act 2014 to eradicate cattle ticks. Eradication programs involving chemical treatments need to run for a minimum of 26 weeks, ending 31 March.

Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Allison Crook said landholders could still get started with an effective program.

“Planning for an eradication program should be well advanced at this time of the year, however, for those who have not yet started, they need to get started by 1 October,” Dr Crook said.

“And also, it’s a reminder that the owner or person in charge of the program must keep appropriate records as evidence of the eradication program.”

Minimum records include:

• Receipts for chemicals purchased and used,
• Records of chemical treatment applications including the chemical name, concentration, application method, date of treatment and details of animals treated.

The DPI has temporarily increased the acaricide subsidy available to owners of Restricted Places in the free zone to 25 per cent for all chemical types with a registered label claim for full control of cattle tick.

This includes chemicals for plunge dipping, pour-on and injectable products.

Restricted Place owners may also choose to eradicate by destocking for a minimum of nine months or by using a combination of destocking and chemical treatment.

For eradication to be successful, someone undertaking eradication must limit the chances of re-infestation of their herd/property by ensuring all animals are treated each round and maintaining stock proof boundary fencing.

“Landowners in the cattle tick free zone who are beside tick-restricted properties should also consider precautions to prevent tick infestations,” Dr Crook said.

“Such measures could include ensuring boundary fences are secure, making sure to comply with livestock movement requirements when returning strays or moving livestock, and considering treatments in high-risk areas of the property,” she said.

“And, a reminder to everyone in this industry, if you suspect or identify cattle ticks on a property in the Qld Cattle Tick Free Zone it is a requirement of the Biosecurity Act 2014 that you notify Biosecurity Queensland by contacting your local biosecurity officer, or calling 132 523,” she said.

“Biosecurity is everyone’s responsibility.”

Owners of Restricted Places should contact their case manager or local biosecurity officer for advice and assistance with planning and executing eradication plans.

Help is also available from the department on 132 523 where a biosecurity officer will be available.

Source: Qld DPI