MEDIA STATEMENT: Biosecurity Queensland backs local Bymount resposne

Biosecurity Queensland backs local Bymount response  

• Department of Primary Industries working to tackle a cattle tick outbreak at the Roma Saleyards.  
• More than ten thousand heads of cattle inspected, nine properties confirmed as cattle tick infested.   
• Biosecurity officers continuing to conduct surveillance and inspect herds to assess the extent of the outbreak.

The Department of Primary Industries’ frontline Biosecurity officers are working closely with property owners to tackle a cattle tick outbreak detected at the Roma Saleyards on 5 November 2024.

Surveillance has been undertaken at known infested properties and other properties which are identified as at-risk because of their proximity or links to these places.

To date, officers have inspected more than ten thousand head of cattle across 30 properties, with nine confirmed as cattle tick infested.

The inspections inform property owners whether they have cattle tick so appropriate steps can be taken to control and eradicate them.

Biosecurity officers and property owners are continuing to conduct surveillance, herd inspections, and livestock movement tracing to assess the extent of the outbreak.

Primary Industries Minister Tony Perrett said tick outbreaks in the tick free zone create unnecessary cost and concern, but stressed the importance of managing it through a strong biosecurity response.

“We have a team of local officers leading the work on the ground by identifying at-risk properties, conducting livestock movement tracing, and notifying affected landholders,” Minister Perrett said.

“Over 10,000 cattle have been inspected since the detection, reflecting the scale of the efforts made by departmental biosecurity officers.

“Cattle tick management is a shared responsibility between the cattle industry and the Queensland Government.

“As a livestock producer myself, I know tick management is vital for protecting Queensland’s tick-free zone and cattle industry.

“The Biosecurity Act 2014 provides a modern framework that limits the spread of cattle tick and minimises the impact on the cattle industry while enabling flexibility for producers to go about their business.

“This has been a huge task and I commend the work that has been done in such a short time.

“There is of course still plenty to be done, and I will continue to work closely with my department to ensure the on the ground response is effective and efficient.

“Biosecurity is a key pillar of the LNP’s primary industries policy, with a commitment to 100 additional officers over the next 4 years”.

Producers who suspect cattle tick infestations are encouraged to collect samples and contact their local Biosecurity Officer for confirmation and guidance.

To report cattle ticks or for further information contact Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23. 

ENDS 

MEDIA CONTACT: Matt Jensen, 0401 829 879