May2012_Beware of ticks and tick fever
Cattle producers are reminded that now is the time to watch out for tick fever and other tick-related health issues in livestock.
Biosecurity Queensland District Inspector Janet Hull said this year’s rain had provided the perfect environment and pasture conditions for ticks and a range of other parasites.
“The end of the wet season brings an increased number of cattle ticks in the environment,” Ms Hull said.
Biosecurity Queensland District Inspector Janet Hull said this year’s rain had provided the perfect environment and pasture conditions for ticks and a range of other parasites.
“The end of the wet season brings an increased number of cattle ticks in the environment,” Ms Hull said.
“Cattle are the main hosts for cattle ticks, but they can also be found on horses, goats, sheep, deer, camelids and buffaloes.
“Cattle ticks can be found anywhere on the body, but the main places to look are the tail butt, flank, belly, shoulder, dewlap and ears.”
Ms Hull said that with increased numbers of cattle ticks came an increased risk of tick fever.
“The ticks can carry and transmit tick fever organisms which can cause severe loss of condition, including loss of milk production, reduced fertility in bulls, and even death,” she said.
“Tick fever often strikes without warning, so it’s important producers keep an eye out for signs of illness in their livestock. If identified early, tick fever can be successfully treated.
Symptoms include:
! Depression ! Weakness
! Jaundice ! Increased temperatures
! Staggering ! Reluctance to move
! Red urine.
If you suspect your livestock have tick fever, contact your local veterinarian immediately.
Ms Hull said vaccination was the only reliable method for long-term protection against tick fever.
“The vaccine provides protection against all three tick fever organisms,” she said.
“It is a one-shot application and immunity to all three organisms develops within eight weeks of the vaccination.”
Livestock owners can contact their local Biosecurity Queensland Inspector or their local veterinarian for information about ticks in their local area and how to manage the risk of tick fever.
For more information about tick fever and tick fever vaccines, visit www.biosecurity.qld.gov.au or call 13 25 23.
Follow Biosecurity Queensland on Facebook and Twitter (@BiosecurityQld).
“Cattle ticks can be found anywhere on the body, but the main places to look are the tail butt, flank, belly, shoulder, dewlap and ears.”
Ms Hull said that with increased numbers of cattle ticks came an increased risk of tick fever.
“The ticks can carry and transmit tick fever organisms which can cause severe loss of condition, including loss of milk production, reduced fertility in bulls, and even death,” she said.
“Tick fever often strikes without warning, so it’s important producers keep an eye out for signs of illness in their livestock. If identified early, tick fever can be successfully treated.
Symptoms include:
! Depression ! Weakness
! Jaundice ! Increased temperatures
! Staggering ! Reluctance to move
! Red urine.
If you suspect your livestock have tick fever, contact your local veterinarian immediately.
Ms Hull said vaccination was the only reliable method for long-term protection against tick fever.
“The vaccine provides protection against all three tick fever organisms,” she said.
“It is a one-shot application and immunity to all three organisms develops within eight weeks of the vaccination.”
Livestock owners can contact their local Biosecurity Queensland Inspector or their local veterinarian for information about ticks in their local area and how to manage the risk of tick fever.
For more information about tick fever and tick fever vaccines, visit www.biosecurity.qld.gov.au or call 13 25 23.
Follow Biosecurity Queensland on Facebook and Twitter (@BiosecurityQld).
