Controlling ticks in calves

Beef cattle producers in coastal areas are being cautioned against using paralysis tick treatments that are not registered for use on cattle.

NSW Department of Primary Industries says using a non registered chemical for the control of paralysis ticks could contribute to an unacceptable residue risk and jeopardise Australia’s export markets.

‘Producers must only use tickicides that are registered for use on cattle,’ DPI beef cattle officer at Paterson, Ian Blackwood, said.

‘Products that are registered for use on horses for example must not be used on cattle unless the label states that it is registered for that purpose.

‘Even the so-called ‘safe’ treatments such as sulphur are unsafe and sulphur residues are definitely not what consumers want in their next beef meal.’

Incorrect chemical usage is against the law, but the overriding issue is the risk of chemical contamination and what that could mean for the beef industry.

Mr Blackwood said paralysis ticks can prove fatal to calves and their management had always been a problem for coastal producers.

‘Prior to 2002 producers relied on the widely-used treatment known as Bayticol Pour-on, but this product is no longer registered as a simple ‘pour-on’ product,’ he said.

‘The only currently registered treatments are all sprays and dips, except for a recently released ear tag product sold as Y-Tex Python®, which is a two tag system for both cow and calf.’

Producers can also put in place certain management strategies to minimise exposure of young calves to paralysis ticks, rather than rely totally on chemical control.

Further information on the management of paralysis ticks is available from NSW DPI’s web site, RLPB district veterinarians, or DPI beef cattle officers at Paterson, Taree and Casino.

Information about Y-Tex Python® is available from resellers.

Media contact: Annette Cross, NSW DPI Tamworth, on 02 6763 1243 or 0427 201 840.