Cattle tick zones in Queensland

Zoning is commonly used to manage pests and diseases. It allows areas to be defined by the presence or absence of a pest or disease, with clear boundaries to guide management and control measures.

Queensland has 2 cattle tick zones:

• the tick-infested zone
• the tick-free zone.

These zones are separated by the tick line, as shown on the map of Queensland’s cattle tick zones.

The tick-infested zone is where cattle ticks are endemic and will continue to thrive if left unmanaged.

The tick-free zone is where cattle ticks are not present. Regulated movement controls for livestock entering the tick-free zone help protect Queensland’s cattle industry. The controls limit the spread of cattle ticks and reduce their impact.

Cattle ticks in the tick-free zone

Cattle ticks are less likely to survive in the tick-free zone but can persist in favourable conditions for several seasons if they are introduced. If there is a cattle tick infestation in the tick-free zone, the affected place will have:

• a legal declaration as a restricted place
• restrictions on moving livestock from the property or properties
• legally required tick eradication measures
• a legal requirement to notify Biosecurity Queensland.

These actions help to maintain the tick-free zone.

Factors that affect tick survival

Research shows that temperature and moisture are key factors influencing cattle tick survival. Soil topography and vegetation cover play a part because of moisture and heat retention at ground level where ticks live. In areas with an average rainfall below 500mm per year, cattle ticks are less likely to survive and reproduce. However, even in these areas, cattle ticks can persist during favourable seasons.

More information

Read more about cattle ticks.