26 October 2009

2 minute read

Oceania

The cattle tick infestation near Macksville on the NSW Mid North Coast is the first this spring and the most southerly detected in NSW since an outbreak at Rollands Plains near Wauchope two years ago.

I&I NSW Cattle Tick Program staff traced the infestation after cattle ticks were detected on six head of cattle at Casino abattoirs during a routine check.

I&I NSW regional veterinarian Paul Freeman said the Macksville property and its neighbours had been placed in quarantine to prevent the spread of cattle ticks.

"Inspectors are carrying out investigations to determine whether there are other infestations in the area," Mr Freeman said.  "The property at Macksville is only small and the owners are being very co-operative with the investigation. We know of another four buyers who purchased a total of seven head from the property at a sale at Macksville saleyards last Saturday. All movements on and off the property will be traced to determine both the spread and the source of the ticks."

Mr Freeman said the NSW North Coast had a favorable climate for cattle ticks, the most serious external parasite of cattle in Australia, but cattle ticks were capable of surviving anywhere in NSW. 

He asked stockowners to examine their cattle when they are yarded and report any unusual ticks to I&I NSW (formerly NSW Department of Primary Industries) or the Livestock Health and Pest Authority (LHPA) for identification.

TheCattleSite News Desk