New cattle tick framework announced

Agriculture and Fisheries Minister Leanne Donaldson today announced a simplified and stronger cattle tick management framework in Queensland including the location of the new tick line.

“As of 1 July 2016, part of Queensland will be designated as a tick free zone, and the remainder will be designated as a tick infested zone,” Minister Donaldson said.

 “We’ve simplified and strengthened the tick line by removing the confusing control zone and in some areas aligning the tick line with stronger double fenced boundaries.

“The new framework will provide greater flexibility for producers, reduce travel times, reduce costs for industry, and most importantly it will continue to protect the cattle tick free zone.

“We have continually heard from producers that a one size fits all approach does not work and livestock owners want control of biosecurity decisions that impact their businesses.

“The changes I am announcing today ends decades of uncertainty and contention.”

Minister Donaldson said she had made her decision after listening to advice from producers, delegations from industry and guidance from the Department.

“There has been extensive consultation on the tick line.

“More than 1000 surveys were collected during the consultation on the location of the tick line, as well as submissions from industry groups and feedback collected during producer meetings.

“More than 1000 producers attended information and consultation meetings and I have received delegations and visited areas of contention around Kingaroy, Hughenden and Durong.

“I have listened to the concerns that were expressed and, wherever possible, acted to meet the wishes of the majority of producers.

“The consultation was around three options. The decision is to adopt Option Three, but with amendments based on the feedback from industry and individuals.”

The Minister said she wanted to ensure that producers who had attempted to control ticks without success would not be disadvantaged by being placed in a position where they were obliged to eradicate.

“The new location of the tick line can be viewed on the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries’ website, or by contacting the Department.

“There will be an opportunity to review the tick line once we see how it impacts producers.

“In two years the Department will assess the effectiveness of eradication and I will look to adjust the line accordingly.”

Queensland’s Chief Veterinary Officer Allison Crook said to minimise the risk of cattle tick spreading into the free zone, control of high risk livestock moving into the free zone will be maintained, but with more flexibility.

“When crossing from the infested zone to the free zone, producers can have their livestock certified tick free by an accredited certifier at any location, including their own property,” said Dr Crook.

“This will reduce transportation costs, helping to sustain our profitable primary industries and improve animal welfare.

“Owners of low risk livestock, such as horses and sheep, will have an obligation to only move tick free animals into the tick free zone, but an accredited certifier will not have to assess their animals.

 “Biosecurity Queensland inspectors will implement a cattle tick surveillance program that will monitor livestock movements and ensure cattle ticks in the free zone aren’t spreading.”

Cattle tick and tick fever will continue to be notifiable when they occur in the free zone.

Property owners will be required to eradicate cattle ticks if their property becomes infested in the free zone.

The new cattle tick management framework will commence with the Biosecurity Act 2014 on 1 July 2016.

For more information and to view the cattle tick line map visit www.biosecurity.qld.gov.au and follow the link.

Information is also available by calling 13 25 23.

Media:

Minister Donaldson: 0448 994 172

DAF: 3087 8574