Biosecurity Certificate exemption for secondary carriers
Owners of low-risk secondary cattle tick carriers who meet the criteria for a Biosecurity Certificate exemption can self-certify their equine, goats, sheep and camelid movements when completing the cattle tick Record of Movement (ROM) form.
The criteria for eligible low-risk movements are based on the level and length of contact between animals moved and primary host species. This is determined at both the origin and destination locations, and for the length of time spent in NSW.
To be eligible for a Biosecurity Certificate exemption, owners of secondary cattle tick carriers must successfully complete a cattle tick education and training module. Livestock owners must then complete a ROM form and answer all questions under the self-certification tab before moving secondary carriers.
Once the module is complete and required inspections and treatments are performed, start a ROM form and answer all self-certification questions.
The cattle tick education and training module is free to complete for all owners who apply up to 1 December 2021 and must be successfully completed before owners can self-certify. Click here to start the self-certification education and training module.
What is a low-risk secondary cattle tick carrier?
High-risk land is determined by pastures where animals are placed to graze near cattle either in NSW or QLD at any time in the previous or following 12 months. Land that is completely free of pasture is not high-risk even if cattle may be on the land over the following 12 months.
Returning to NSW from QLD
For secondary cattle tick carriers returning to NSW from QLD, high-risk NSW destinations are defined as any land containing pasture on which the animal(s) in this declaration will be placed on during their time in NSW and which may be grazed by cattle any time in the next 12 months.
If the future grazing use of the land is unknown then the land is judged high-risk until the future grazing use is confirmed. Land that is completely free of pasture is not high-risk even if cattle may be placed on the land over the next 12 months.
High-risk QLD movement origin is defined as any land containing pasture on which the animal(s) in this declaration have spent time on which has been grazed by cattle in the past 12 months. If the grazing use of the land is unknown the the land is judged high risk until past grazing use is confirmed.
Moving to NSW from QLD
For secondary cattle tick carriers moving to NSW from QLD, high-risk NSW destinations are defined as any land containing pasture on which the animal(s) in this declaration will be placed on during their time in NSW and which may be grazed by cattle any time in the next 12 months.
If the future grazing use of the land is unknown then the land is judged high-risk until the future grazing use is confirmed. Land that is completely free of pasture is not high-risk even if cattle may be placed on the land over the next 12 months.
High-risk QLD movement origin is defined as any land containing pasture on which the animal(s) in this declaration have spent time on which has been grazed by cattle in the past 12 months. If the grazing use of the land is unknown the the land is judged high-risk until past grazing use is confirmed.
Destinations not meeting the conditions for high-risk land are determined low-risk.
Primary cattle tick carrier movements
Movement requirements for primary cattle tick carriers such as cattle, buffalo, bison and deer remain unchanged. Accredited certifiers are an existing source of treatment and inspection for all commercial cattle entering NSW.
Cattle tick is a notifiable disease under the NSW Biosecurity Act 2015 with entry requirements prescribed under the Biosecurity Order (Permitted Activities) 2019. Failure to comply with NSW entry requirements is an offence.
Treatment and inspection standards of accredited certifiers in QLD are maintained by Biosecurity Queensland. All training and auditing standards are measured against QLD biosecurity legislation.
Cattle tick surveillance and compliance
NSW DPI will continue to focus on surveillance and compliance activities in NSW. This will include border camera surveillance of livestock movements and the commitment of extra resources to monitor compliance with the NSW cattle tick entry requirements.
Livestock treatments and inspections for all cattle tick carriers must be completed by either a NSW DPI authorised officer or Queensland Accredited Certifier, additionally for secondary carriers anyone authorised under a permit, or a registered veterinarian or person under their supervision, at least 48 hours before entering NSW.
Accredited certifiers
Accredited certifiers, also referred to as third party providers, are trained and authorised by legislation to certify the cattle tick status of livestock. They may be used when moving livestock between cattle tick zones.
Accredited certifiers can issue biosecurity certificates and inspect and/or treat livestock in order to verify a tick free status. Inspection and treatments may be performed on property or at a clearing facility. On property inspection and treatments will allow livestock to be certified at their place of origin and moved directly to their destination.
The Queensland Biosecurity Manual (PDF, 2.54 MB) outlines the procedures to be followed by an accredited certifier when certifying the cattle tick status of livestock.
Biosecurity certificates will only be issued if the accredited certifier is satisfied that the 'risk minimisation requirements' outlined in the manual have been met and that the livestock are tick free.
Registered veterinarians
Registered veterinarians can certify the cattle tick status of secondary cattle tick carriers and can also provide inspection and/or treatment procedures before owners move secondary carriers between different cattle tick zones. Inspection and treatment procedures can be performed by the veterinarian, or under their supervision.
The Queensland Biosecurity Manual (PDF, 2.54 MB) outlines the procedures to be followed when certifying the cattle tick status of livestock. Veterinary certificates will only be issued if the registered veterinarian is satisfied that the 'risk minimisation requirements' outlined in the manual have been met and that the livestock are tick free.
More information
NSW DPI remains committed to working with livestock owners and industry to prevent cattle tick outbreaks in NSW and minimising the impact of cattle tick fever on the cattle industry.
For more information on cattle tick and NSW entry requirements, visit the Health and Disease - Ticks webpage.
