Industry & Investment NSW regulatory officers have quarantined a Macksville-district property following the detection of cattle ticks this week.

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.

"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," he said.

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.

"Cattle ticks were found at Bellingen in 1991 and 2007, and Rollands Plains in 2007, and in each case they were eradicated," he said.

"But normally we dont get infestations this far south."

Mr Freeman 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.

"Stockowners shouldnt assume that they are seeing bush ticks or paralysis ticks - they should check to make sure they arent cattle ticks and contact the authorities if they are not sure.

"Identification brochures are also available from I&I NSW or LHPA offices," he said.

"Cattle ticks are a notifiable disease in NSW, meaning stockowners must report findings.

"They have the potential to cause significant damage to the NSW beef and dairy industries. When found in NSW they must be eradicated."

Mr Freeman said the Macksville outbreak was the first in NSW this Spring.

"Peak activity for cattle ticks is usually later in summer and autumn but they can occur at any time," he said. "Last season we had 67 cattle tick infestations in NSW."

Further reading

Ticks

Media contact: Phil Bevan 0429 458 053