According to Regional Veterinary Officer Paul Freeman, of the New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, a man who imported a horse from Queensland that was found to be infected with cattle ticks, may now face legal action for illegally introducing the parasite to NSW.
Importance of border inspections of horses
At least one property is in quarantine in northern New South Wales after a horse imported from Queensland was found infected with cattle ticks.
At least one property is in quarantine in northern NSW after the horse imported from Queensland was found infected with cattle ticks. The contractor transporting the horse from Gympie, a tick infested area, to Woolgoolga failed to stop at the border to have the horse treated for ticks.
Cattle ticks, an external parasite notifiable in NSW, can transmit tick fever, a disease which can cause fatalities in cattle.
"Horses are a secondary host, so the cattle tick doesn't always complete its life cycle on them," he said.
"But certainly horses can then spread it onto cattle if they're in contact and it becomes a much bigger problem."
“Investigations are ongoing but it is alleged the man did not stop at the border and get the horse treated for cattle ticks which is an offence under the NSW Stock Diseases Act.”
Mr Freeman said the illegal movement was picked up by the DPI surveillance cameras at Tweed Heads and the owner of the vehicle was tracked down.
Mr Freeman said cattle ticks are the most serious external parasite of cattle in Australia. They can attach to cattle, horses and other livestock and can transmit tick fever, a potentially fatal disease of cattle.
“Cattle ticks are a notifiable disease in NSW, meaning stockowners must report findings and any outbreaks must be eradicated,” he said.
“Stockowners who bring in Queensland cattle or horses are advised to keep them in a holding paddock for a week or two as a biosecurity measure before allowing them access to the entire property.
“That way the animals can be monitored for ticks and if cattle ticks are found then the entire property is not quarantined – just the holding paddock.”
Stockowners who suspect there stock have cattle ticks or tick fever should contact the DPI, their private veterinarian, their local LHPA or the emergency animal disease watch hotline on 1800 675 888.