Feedback
Cattle tick zones
You must report any cattle ticks found outside the Queensland cattle tick infested zone to Biosecurity Queensland.
Cattle ticks, Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) species, are a serious economic pest of Queensland's cattle industry. If left unchecked, they can significantly reduce cattle live-weight gain and milk production. Heavy infestation can cause death due to tick worry and blood loss. They can also transmit 3 blood-borne tick fever organisms, which cause sickness and death in cattle.
This guide explains the legal requirements you have to meet when transporting livestock between cattle tick zones.
Cattle tick zones in Queensland
Zoning is commonly used to manage pest and disease control. Areas are defined by the presence or absence of the pest or disease with set boundaries.
Queensland has 2 cattle tick zones:
- the cattle tick infested zone
- the cattle tick free zone.
The cattle tick infested and cattle tick free zones are separated by the tick line.
The cattle tick infested zone is where cattle ticks are endemic and will thrive if left unmanaged.
The cattle tick free zone is the part of the state where cattle ticks aren’t present. Regulated movement controls for livestock moving into the free area allows the cattle industry to control and limit the spread of cattle tick to minimise the impact on the industry.
Research has shown that temperature and moisture are the key factors for cattle tick survival. In particular, an average rainfall of below 500mm per year limits cattle tick survival and propagation. In the infested zone the environment is supportive of cattle tick survival and ticks are widespread. In the free zone the environment is less supportive of cattle tick survival.
Cattle tick movement regulations
Cattle ticks, Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) species, are a serious economic pest of Queensland's cattle industry. If left unchecked, they can significantly reduce cattle live-weight gain and milk production. Heavy infestation can cause death due to tick worry and blood loss.
They can also transmit blood-borne tick fever organisms, which cause sickness and death in cattle. Learn more about tick fever in cattle.
Cattle are the main hosts for cattle ticks although they can also infest other species such as buffalo, sheep, horses, goats, camels, alpacas, llamas, vicuña, guanacos and deer.
Other ticks that may be commonly found on cattle in Queensland are scrub ticks and New Zealand cattle (or bush) ticks.
Read an overview of cattle ticks in Queensland.
Tick zones
Queensland is divided into 2 cattle tick zones:
- the Queensland cattle tick infested zone
- the Queensland cattle tick free zone.
View a map of cattle tick free and infested zones.
All livestock must be free of cattle tick before entering the free zone. When moving livestock between zones there are risk minimisation requirements that must be met as per the biosecurity manual (PDF, 1MB). The transporting livestock between cattle tick zones guide covers this in detail.
You must report any cattle ticks found in the Queensland cattle tick free zone to Biosecurity Queensland.
Also consider...
- Read more about transporting livestock between cattle tick zones.
- View a map of cattle tick free and infested zones.
- Read the biosecurity manual (PDF, 1MB).
Cattle tick line
The cattle tick infested and cattle tick free zones are separated by the tick line.
The tick line is made up of a combination of physical and environmental boundaries including:
- built structures (e.g. fences and roads)
- natural barriers (e.g. mountains and rivers)
- environmental conditions (e.g. temperature and rainfall).
In central and northern Queensland the tick line is closely aligned to the 500mm rainfall belt. It uses the environmental conditions as a boundary between the cattle tick zones, acting as a natural tick line.
In parts of southern Queensland, built structures form most of the tick line as environmental control alone cannot be relied upon.
The current location of the tick line has been positioned to provide a sustainable and cost effective cattle tick free zone. It minimises the occurrence of cattle tick infestations and provides a genuinely cattle tick free zone.
Applying to change the tick line location
If you feel the location of the tick line should be changed you can apply for a review.
You can apply to Biosecurity Queensland as an individual property or a group of properties.
If your property is located in the cattle tick infested zone and you can eradicate cattle ticks and maintain a tick free status, you can apply to have the tick line location changed so your property is located in the free zone.
If your property is located in the tick free zone and there are cattle tick infestations that cannot be eradicated and maintained you can apply to have the tick line location changed so your property is located in the infested zone.
To be eligible to apply for the tick line to be moved:
- The property or group of properties must be immediately beside the existing tick line.
- You must be able to describe a new line that will be a genuine buffer between the infested and free zones.
If you are applying for a change from the cattle tick infested to the cattle tick free status, you must also be able to show the property or group of properties have been free of cattle ticks for at least 2 years. This could include details of eradication campaigns undertaken including records of herd inspections that show your livestock are cattle tick free.
For more details on the criteria download the policy (PDF, 227KB) or contact our Customer Service Centre on 13 25 23.
Pre-assessment process
Before you apply for the location of the tick line to be changed, you should download the application to change the cattle tick line pre-assessment form (PDF, 190KB) and discuss your proposal with Biosecurity Queensland. We can provide you with the detailed criteria for you to address before commencing a program to identify areas that need addressing and provide guidance.
Moving high-risk livestock between cattle tick zones
High-risk livestock are species that are suitable hosts for cattle ticks and pose a significant risk to spreading viable cattle tick. High-risk livestock include cattle, buffalo/bison and deer.
When moving high-risk livestock from the Queensland cattle tick infested zone to the cattle tick free zone, all stock must be tick free.
The owner or person in charge of the livestock must provide a written declaration to an accredited certifier, stating what treatments they have done to their livestock to ensure they meet the risk minimisation requirements. Download an example of a declaration (PDF, 111KB).
You will need a biosecurity certificate issued by an accredited certifier to accompany high-risk livestock moving from a property in the infested zone into the free zone. A biosecurity certificate will only be issued after the accredited certifier is satisfied the livestock have met the ‘risk minimisation requirements’ as stated in the biosecurity manual (PDF, 1MB).
An accredited certifier can inspect and treat your livestock either on your property or at a public clearing facility.
All high-risk livestock must be accompanied by a movement record and meet any prescribed NLIS requirements.
Also consider...
- View a map of cattle tick free and infested zones.
- Contact Biosecurity Queensland for further information.
Moving low-risk livestock between cattle tick zones
Low-risk livestock are species that can be hosts for cattle ticks but pose a low risk of spreading viable cattle tick. Low-risk livestock include horses, camels, goats, sheep, llamas, vicuña, guanacos and alpacas.
When moving low-risk livestock from the Queensland cattle tick infested zone to the cattle tick free zone, all stock must be tick free.
Low-risk livestock do not require a biosecurity certificate but must meet the ‘risk minimisation requirements’ stated in the biosecurity manual (PDF, 1MB).
All low-risk livestock must be accompanied by a movement record and meet any prescribed NLIS requirements. A declaration on the accompanying movement record must state how the cattle tick risk minimisation requirements have been met.
Also consider...
- View a map of cattle tick free and infested zones.
- To find an accredited certifier, contact Biosecurity Queensland.
Accredited certifiers for cattle tick
Accredited certifiers are trained and authorised by legislation to certify the cattle tick status of livestock. They may be used when moving livestock between cattle tick zones or verifying the effectiveness of an eradication program in the free zone.
Accredited certifiers can issue biosecurity certificates and may inspect and/or treat livestock in order to verify a tick free status. Inspection and treatments may be performed on property or at a clearing facility. On property inspection and treatments will allow livestock to be certified at their place of origin and moved directly to their destination.
The biosecurity manual (PDF, 1.3MB) outlines the procedures to be followed by an accredited certifier when certifying the cattle tick status of livestock. Biosecurity certificates will only be issued if the accredited certifier is satisfied that the 'risk minimisation requirements' outlined in the manual have been met and that the livestock are tick free.
Becoming an accredited certifier
To become an accredited certifier you will need to complete training and have the necessary expertise and experience to be appointed. Accredited certifiers will be granted accreditation by the Chief Executive of the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, and undergo annual audits. There are fees associated with becoming an accredited certifier. Accreditation could be cancelled at any time if the service you provide is deemed to not meet the necessary requirements.
Application for accreditation of an accredited certifier for cattle tick (DOC, 81KB).
Phone Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23 to find out more about the training and necessary requirements to become an accredited certifier.
Accredited certifiers for horses and cattle
North Queensland – accredited certifiers for horses and cattle
Location | Contact | Phone number |
---|---|---|
Blackall/Hughenden | Des Cuffe | 0448 369 967 |
Charters Towers | Charters Towers Regional Council | (07) 4761 5300 |
Charters Towers | Charters Towers Regional Council – Superintendent Ralph Peno (Booking) | 0427 875 638 |
Charters Towers | Charters Towers Regional Council – Geoffrey Jackson | 0429 915 300 |
Cloncurry | Keyes Cattle Co – Dustin Keyes | 0427 352 839 |
Cloncurry | Keyes Cattle Co – Nathan Keyes | 0429 055 295 |
Cloncurry | Byron Remfrey | 0488 923 125 |
Georgetown | Dan Sheahan | 0418 730 696 |
Hughenden | Beef Pedler – Mark Peddle | 0428 779 107 |
Hughenden | Clancy Middleton | 0427 658 334 |
Hughenden/Praire | Shane McCarthy | 0427 411 564 |
Julia Creek | SD & MJ Zadow – Scott Zadow | 0437 342 296 |
Julia Creek | Clifford Fitchett | 0429 095 868 |
Julia Creek | Colin Malone | 0429 467 320 |
Julia Creek | A.A. Company Pty Ltd – Clint Wockner | 0428 184 933 |
Julia Creek | Tom Terry | (07) 4746 8622 |
Julia Creek | Jake Webster | 0419 903 900 |
Nebo | HATZ Rural Contracting – Angel and Todd Hatfield | 0400 269 467 |
Nebo | Hayes & Co – Eileen Falzon | 0409 503 599 |
Palmyra (Mackay area) | WH9 Grazing – Chris Wendelborn | 0427 856 293 |
Pentland | Rob Hollingsworth | (07) 4787 6415 |
Praire | Donna Rankine | 0427 415 141 |
Reid River | Reid River Export Depot – Paul Heil | 0427 201 295 |
Richmond | Robert Fox | 0429 493 258 |
Richmond | JR Saleyard Services Pty Ltd – Terry Flute | 0427 418 541 |
Richmond | Matthew Levers | 0487 811 449 |
Sugarbag (Mt Garnet) | Sugarbag (Qld) Pty Ltd T/A Sugarbag Yards – Brian Henry | 0428 833 414 |
Central Queensland – accredited certifiers for horses and cattle
Location | Contact | Phone number |
---|---|---|
Blackall/Hughenden | Des Cuffe | 0448 369 967 |
Barcaldine/Alpha | Barcaldine Regional Council | (07) 4651 5600 |
Barcaldine | Barcaldine Reg Council – John Fisher | 0429 851 342 |
Clermont | Kyle Cormack | 0403 248 307 |
Clermont | Kerri Anne Doessel | 0457 226 033 |
Clermont | RB & KD Hughes – Kelva Camm | 0428 764 091 |
Clermont | Belyando Cattle Company Pty Ltd – Dean Kiernan |
0439 788 431 (07) 4983 5007 |
Clermont saleyards | Isaac Regional Council – Jane Shelvey | 0417 732 845 |
Eidsvold | Michael Dingle | 0408 986 811 |
Eidsvold | Sam Boyle | 0457 959 621 |
Emerald | Cherylee Langtry | 0407 495 293 |
Gracemere | Leonard Coombs | 0419 875 830 |
Gracemere | RLX Operating Company Pty Ltd T/A Central Queensland Livestock Exchange – Stephanie Frankham | 0418 245 584 |
Marlborough | Amelia Ann Rea | 0407 167 411 |
Moura | Elders Rural Services Australia Limited | (07) 4997 7000 |
Moura | Grant Daniel & Long Pty Ltd – James Bensley | 0447 879 300 |
Moura | Hourn and Bishop QLD Pty Ltd – Matthew Bishop | 0437 972 292 |
Moura | James Stanton | 0416 100 558 |
Moura | Tom Little | 0428 882 543 |
Moura | Les Nolan | 0459 519 663 |
Springsure | Rutland Grazing Company Pty Ltd – David Loch | 0438 784 120 |
Theodore | Malcolm Walker | 0427 571 919 |
Southern Queensland – accredited certifiers for horses and cattle
Location | Contact | Phone number |
---|---|---|
Alandale (Boonah district) | William Goetsch | 0400 754 887 |
Anduramba (Crows Nest district) | Stark Contracting Pty Ltd – Natasha Stark | 0439 606 686 |
Boonah/Scenic Rim/Gold Coast | Tick Management Australia – Julie Springthorpe | 0427 993 266 |
Murgon | Allen Briggs | 0427 172 801 |
Chinchilla | Ben Jenkinson | 0487 658 131 |
Cooyar | Brianna Barron | 0429 926 777 |
Crows Nest | Raymond Weis | 0400 898 648 |
Dalby | Grant Daniel & Long Pty Ltd – Ryan Sullivan | 0407 176 062 |
Dalby | Gilliland Livestock Marketing – Brendan Gilliland | 0428 830 337 |
Gympie | Sullivan Livestock & Rural Services – Ethan Carter | 0408 883 921 |
Harristown (Toowoomba) | AAM Operations Pty Ltd | 0427 159 026 |
Harrisville | Hayes & Co Harrisville Pty Ltd – Peter Hayes | 0418 755 732 |
Kingaroy | Grant Daniel & Long Pty Ltd – Brad Cavanagh | 0428 176 062 |
Kingaroy | Grant Daniel & Long Pty Ltd – Corey Evans | 0427 233 999 |
Kingaroy | South Burnett Regional Council | 0418 477 096 |
Kingaroy | South Burnett Regional Council – Mark Berthelson | 0408 731 330 |
Kingaroy | Elliot Livestock – Rick Elliott | 0438 847 866 |
Kingaroy | Bill Steffensen | 0429 645 545 |
Kingaroy | Aussie Land and Livestock Pty Ltd | (07) 4162 2233 |
Kingaroy/Cushnie | Damon Kaluder | (07) 4169 0035 |
Maryborough | Empire International Pty Ltd – Sean Hollands | 0418 206 640 |
Miles | Grant Daniel & Long Pty Ltd – Will Loudon | 0459 149 890 |
Mt Berryman (Laidley district) | Thomas Stariha | 0401 341 542 |
Mulgildie (Monto district) | Lindsey Penney | 0407 736 648 |
Mundubbera | Mark Berthelsen | 0408 731 330 |
Mundubbera | Jake Dingle | 0400 656 120 |
Mungungo (Monto/Eidsvold) | Eidsvold Livestock and Property - Cameron Bygrave | 0458 820 309 |
Murgon | AAM Operations Pty Ltd – Tristan Waldock | 0427 580 732 |
Rosevale (Boonah) | Myrelle Christensen | 0448 365 937 |
Taroom | Doug Stuart | 0428 286 235 |
Thornville | Wayne Schefe |
(07) 4692 6101 0427 746 215 |
Warwick/Junabee | Lindsay Goodwin | 0402 071 374 |
Interstate – accredited certifiers for horses and cattle
Location | Contact | Phone number |
---|---|---|
Ewingsdale (NSW) | Catherine Alati | 0411 300 170 |
Accredited certifiers for horses only
Location | Contact | Phone number |
---|---|---|
Aratula (Boonah) | Tracy Kane | 0429 001 058 |
Burpengary (Brisbane) | Brian Munro | 0417 754 114 |
Boorabee Park (NSW) | Mrs Xanthe Webb | 0431 155 907 |
Clagiraba (Gold Coast) | Glen X Lodge – Ashley Glencross | 0418 862 449 |
Coulson (Boonah) | Kent Wells | 0414 742 112 |
Currumbin Valley | Flynn's Equine Services – Peter Flynn, Angela Petersen | 0431 717 423 |
Innisplain (Beaudesert) | Brett Welsh | 0429 120 874 |
Jimboomba | Jeffrey Ehlers | 0431 675 773 |
Also consider...
- View a map of cattle tick free and infested zones.
- Contact Biosecurity Queensland for more information about accredited certifiers.
Cattle tick infestations in the tick free zone
Properties that are infested with cattle tick in the tick free zone will be subject to 'risk minimisation requirements' before moving livestock and will be required to undertake a cattle tick eradication program.
Restricted places
Properties in the tick free zone that are infested with cattle tick will be placed on the restricted places register.
To move high-risk livestock from a restricted place in the free zone you must have a biosecurity certificate. An accredited certifier may issue a biosecurity certificate if satisfied that the 'risk minimisation requirements' as stated in the biosecurity manual (PDF, 1MB) have been met. The property owner is responsible for the costs associated with the service provided by accredited certifiers.
Removal from the restricted place register
For your property to be removed from the restricted places register you need to provide evidence to Biosecurity Queensland to demonstrate that cattle tick has been eradicated. This may include a detailed program of actions outlining the actions that have been taken (e.g. chemical treatment, destocking) to eradicate cattle tick from the property. An accredited certifier may provide a report stating they have inspected livestock on the property and are confident the eradication program has been successful. The property owner is responsible for costs associated with the service provided by accredited certifiers.
Additional validation may be undertaken by Biosecurity Queensland before a property is removed from the restricted place register.
Also consider...
- View a map of cattle tick free and infested zones.
- For more information contact Biosecurity Queensland.
Cattle tick surveillance program
Biosecurity Queensland officers will conduct surveillance for cattle ticks in the cattle tick free zone. The surveillance program will provide evidence of where cattle ticks are in the tick free zone and identify key risk areas. The surveillance program will target high-risk areas, such as properties surrounding tick outbreaks in the free zone. The surveillance program will monitor the effectiveness of cattle tick eradication programs on infested properties in the cattle tick free zone.
The cattle tick surveillance program will not provide property inspections for market access or proof of freedom. These services will be provided by accredited certifiers.
Details about the surveillance program are published by Biosecurity Queensland.
Also consider...
- View a map of cattle tick free and infested zones.
- For more information contact Biosecurity Queensland.
How to identify cattle tick
Comparing cattle ticks to other ticks
Use the following table to distinguish cattle ticks from bush ticks and paralysis ticks.
Bush tick | Cattle tick | Paralysis tick/Scrub tick |
---|---|---|
Legs:
| Legs:
| Legs:
|
Body:
| Body:
| Body:
|
Face:
| Face:
| Face:
|
Snout:
| Snout:
| Snout:
|
Cattle ticks in different stages
The following image shows what cattle ticks look like during different phases of development.
The following close-up shows 2 engorged female cattle ticks.
Also consider...
- View a map of cattle tick free and infested zones.
- Contact Biosecurity Queensland for more information on cattle ticks.
- Read more about cattle ticks.
© The State of Queensland 1995–2024
- Last reviewed: 08 Sep 2021
- Last updated: 08 Sep 2021