Industry & Investment NSW (I&I NSW) leader of cattle tick operations, Larry Falls, said the mid north coast producer’s property had been under quarantine for cattle tick when cattle were moved cattle off the property without obtaining a permit as required in the quarantine notice.

“This breach was uncovered using the National Livestock Identification System (NLIS), which is used to trace all stock movements both onto and off properties under quarantine,” Mr Falls said.

“The person caught through NLIS tracing seems not to have taken the quarantine seriously and hopefully now that he is $550 poorer he will better understand the importance of the quarantine and the steps being taken to enforce it.”

Mr Falls said cattle tick is a serious cattle health problem and movement restrictionswere extremely important in controlling its spread.

“Illegal movements could result in cattle tick spreading to other properties,” he said.

“Industry & Investment NSW has been working closely with the Mid Coast Livestock Health and Pest Authority to eradicate the cattle tick infestations recently detected in the Macksville area.

“Cattle tick is notifiable in NSW and if producers suspect that cattle tick may be present on their property they are legally obliged to contact their local LHPA office or I&I NSW stock inspector. “If unrestricted, cattle tick would spread over much of eastern NSW and result in extensive losses to NSW cattle producers through tick control costs and hide damage.

“Cattle tick can also carry the dangerous tick fever parasite which can kill large numbers of cattle.”