More support to stop chemical resistance in cattle ticks for Gregory graziers

Expanded free service rolled out to support cattle producers avoid chemical resistance

developing in cattle ticks

It’s the latest service to help graziers manage cattle tick and is as part of range of proactive

measures available including the production and supply of tick fever vaccine

The Crisafulli Government is delivering a plan for Queensland’s future and a better lifestyle

through a stronger economy after a decade of decline under Labor.

The Crisafulli Government is delivering healthier livestock by expanding a free service for

cattle producers to simplify cattle dip testing for chemical compliance – reducing the risk of

chemical resistance in cattle ticks and making the service more cost-effective.

Graziers in the Gregory Electorate can now collect a free dip test kit from the Department of

Primary Industries (DPI) office in Emerald or their local chemical supplier and return the

sample to the DPI office during business hours for testing.

Regular cattle dip testing helps reduce chemical resistance developing in cattle ticks and

safeguards livestock health, supports sustainable agriculture, and protects Queensland’s

industries, economy and environment.

If cattle ticks develop chemical resistance, producers have limited chemicals available to

treat infestations in their herds, which can be a major barrier in effective and healthy herd

management.

The expanded free service is just one of the ways the Crisafulli Government is working with

graziers to manage cattle ticks.

The Crisafulli Government is delivering a range of proactive measures against cattle tick,

including its innovative work at the DPI’s Queensland Tick Fever Centre, which produces and

supplies the only vaccine available in Australia to protect against tick fever.

By supporting producers with expert advice and reliable vaccine access, the Tick Fever

Centre is helping to secure Queensland’s reputation as a leader in livestock health and

biosecurity.

During Labor’s decade of decline, we saw biosecurity safeguards across the state crumble,

at one point on Labor’s watch more than 20% of the biosecurity workforce had left their

post.

The Crisafulli Government is beefing up biosecurity, by delivering on our commitment to

hire 100 biosecurity officers this term of government, with 40 already joining the ranks

across the state.

Biosecurity officers assist in regulating movement of cattle tick carriers across the

Queensland tick line, conducting surveillance in the cattle tick-free zone, and implementing

restrictions on properties within the tick-free zone to stop them spreading.

Biosecurity officers also provide technical guidance to graziers in ‘restricted places’ to assist

with successful eradication of cattle ticks on their properties

Minister for Primary Industries Tony Perrett said the expanded dip testing service would

play a key role in helping prevent chemical resistance in cattle ticks.

“Regular cattle dip testing is essential for protecting the health of livestock, supporting

sustainable agriculture and safeguarding Queensland’s economy and environment,”

Minister Perrett said.

“Whether it’s assisting with cost-effective dip testing, providing advice to graziers, or

investing in research and resources to produce crucial vaccinations, we are continuing to

deliver for Queensland graziers.”

Member for Gregory Sean Dillon said cattle producers were being assisted to meet their

general biosecurity obligations, ensure their treatment is best practice and strengthen

protections for graziers across the whole state.

“This free service offered by the DPI team will make it easier for Gregory graziers to ensure

their chemical levels are within the recommended ranges while also providing quick and

reliable results,” Mr Dillon said.

“By maintaining correct chemical levels in their dips, producers give themselves the most

cost-effective method for controlling cattle ticks and, importantly, they also reduce their risk

of creating chemical resistance in cattle ticks on their properties.”

For more information about the new counter service or to learn how to prepare or submit a

sample, contact the DPI on 13 25 23 or visit the DPI website.

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACT: Kerry-Lee Ferguson

gregory@parliament.qld.gov.au

(07) 4913 1000

Further information:

You can now drop samples at the following DPI offices:

• Boonah

• Bundaberg

• Charters Towers

• Cloncurry (by appointment)

• Dalby

• Emerald

• Gayndah

• Gympie

• Kingaroy

• Mackay

• Mareeba

• Rockhampton

• Roma

• Toowoomba

• Townsville

• Warwick.

Only these offices will accept dip samples.

If you cannot get to one of these locations, you can submit your samples by post