Using saleyards and livestock agents in the tick-free and tick-infested zones

As a livestock owner, you must consider the risk of spreading cattle ticks when selling cattle to a different cattle tick zone. This is particularly important when consigning cattle to a saleyard in the tick-free zone from:

  • the tick-infested zone
  • a restricted place, or
  • districts where cattle tick outbreaks regularly occur.

If you do not comply with livestock movement requirements and your general biosecurity obligation, you can create a serious biosecurity threat and may face enforcement action.

Preparation before selling livestock

Book the cattle with your preferred livestock agent before consigning them to a saleyard in the tick-free zone. The agent can then discuss appropriate arrangements with you and ensure requirements are met.

Before moving cattle from a property, ensure you:

  • know the cattle tick zone of the property of origin
  • know the cattle tick zone of the destination saleyards
  • know whether the property of origin is a restricted place
  • understand and comply with all livestock movement requirements that apply.

Areas prone to outbreaks

In areas where cattle tick outbreaks are more likely to occur, ticks can spread from infested properties when cattle stray.

In these situations, you should follow heightened biosecurity precautions such as:

  • Inspect cattle before movement.
  • Have suspect ticks professionally identified.
  • Report cattle tick detections to Biosecurity Queensland by phoning 13 25 23.
  • Engage an accredited certifier, where necessary, to help you manage cattle tick risk.

Tick fever vaccinations

Cattle raised in Queensland’s tick-free zone will usually have no immunity to tick fever. If these cattle are offered for sale at a saleyard in the tick-infested zone, they may need a tick fever vaccination strategy. This should be planned well before movement of the cattle to allow immunity to develop so that the cattle are protected against the disease.

More information