Industry groups in New South Wales have joined forces to call on the State Government to protect the state’s cattle tick free status.
NSW Farmers, together with Norco, the Australian Veterinary Association and RSPCA NSW, has called on the NSW Government to maintain the NSW Cattle Tick Program and its objective of eradicating cattle ticks that cross the border.

Cattle ticks were the most serious external parasite of cattle in Australia, estimated to cost the industry more than $160 million annually.

NSW Farmers President Xavier Martin said as an independent review of the state’s cattle tick program progressed, now was the time for industry to come together to ensure continued funding and operation of this vital biosecurity defence.

“Cattle ticks are a major threat to the health and welfare of our livestock, as well as our production, and our livelihoods,” Mr Martin said.

“Our state government must continue to deliver and prioritise surveillance, treatment, compliance and producer engagement programs if they are truly serious about eliminating this pest.”

RSPCA NSW CEO Steve Coleman said the maintenance of the state’s cattle tick program was good for animal welfare.

“RSPCA NSW is dedicated to protecting animals, but the state government must also play its part in keeping NSW free of cattle ticks,” Mr Coleman said.

“Cattle ticks, and tick fever can seriously impact the welfare of an animal, which is why all available resources must be used to keep these parasites out of NSW.”

The Australian Veterinarian Association backed these calls to keep NSW cattle tick free, with vets warning of the animal health impacts of cattle ticks and tick fever cases.

“When it comes to this pest, there is no halfway solution. As frontline responders, Australia’s vets call on the NSW Government to commit to full implementation of this critically important eradication program,” AVA spokesperson Dr Stacey Rae said.

“We can’t compromise on animal health, and maintaining our tick free status must be a top priority.”

100 per cent farmer-owned dairy cooperative Norco said industry was joining together to safeguard the future of livestock, producers and the agricultural sector.

“Keeping cattle ticks out of NSW keeps our dairy industry thriving and able to supply fresh milk to Aussie families, day in, day out,” Norco Chairman Michael Jeffery said.

“Cattle ticks can and do have significant impacts on NSW’s dairy and beef cattle industry, we need to strengthen the states protections, not reduce them. Reduced availability of our farmers products and increased prices to consumers are the likely outcomes of any change in government policy that results in the spread of cattle ticks in NSW.”