Published Monday, 15 July, 2013 at 09:28 AM
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
The Honourable John McVeigh
Tick fever vaccine offers peace of mind
Northern and western graziers have been strongly advised to consider tick fever vaccinations for cattle being sent to cattle tick infected areas for agistment.
Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Minister John McVeigh said large numbers of drought-affected cattle were on the move and the risk of tick fever was ever-present.
“It pays to thoroughly check the situation with your local vets and DAFF staff when planning to move cattle to agistment, particularly when moving stock from western and northwest areas where cattle ticks aren’t present,” Mr McVeigh said.
“Cattle over nine months of age of any breed can develop tick fever.
“The level of risk varies from year to year, and the likelihood of cattle contracting tick fever depends on a number of factors, but it’s certainly a risk when susceptible cattle are moved into cattle tick infected areas.
“British and European breeds are at greatest risk, but Brahman and crossbred cattle can also be affected.
“Even during the winter months when there’s a belief that ticks are not active, the risks are still there.”
Mr McVeigh said the vaccine produced by his Department was highly effective and the cost of $4 to $5 a head offered peace of mind that the risk of tick fever disease would be minimised.
“Vaccination takes the guesswork out of tick fever control, but it always pays to plan ahead because there is a time-lag from vaccination to immunity,” he said.
“It is also very important not to neglect tick control, particularly for cattle which have never experienced ticks before, as large burdens can occur on naive cattle.”
Consult your local vet or DAFF Biosecurity Inspector for advice on tick and tick fever control.
Further information on tick fever vaccine is available from the Tick Fever Centre on 3898 9655.
[ENDS] 15 July 2013
Media Contact: Lachlan Millar 0407 394 580