Strategies and possibilities to reduce tick fever outbreaks in NSW were addressed in detail in the 2005 Tick Fever Inquiry headed by former Minister and Member for Orange Garry West.

Mr West, who consulted widely with stockowners, recommended no change to the existing movement conditions for cattle from Queensland into NSW.

A follow-up independent review concluded that cattle carrying tick fever organisms did not constitute a significant risk to NSW cattle producers.

The West Report recommended a voluntary Animal Health Statement for cattle moving from tick-infected Queensland to assist NSW buyers with the information they may require to run their own farm biosecurity program.

The statement is available on the NSW DPI website.

The West Report also said: "Whilst some producers advocated the return to sterilisation of incoming cattle which may be tick fever carriers, the majority considered the introduction of an Animal Health Statement was adequate to assist producers assess the risk.

"It was clear to the Inquiry that there are already large numbers of Queensland origin cattle, many of whom could be tick fever carriers, in north eastern NSW.

"Therefore the producer focus should be on controlling and eradicating ticks to reduce the risk of tick fever occurring," the report said.

NSW chief veterinary officer Bruce Christie said sterilising cattle moving from tick infested Queensland with Imizol - and the process of certification - would place an onerous new cost on a large number of livestock producers.

Download the voluntary Animal Health Statement (25 kb, PDF) .