Moving livestock between and within cattle tick zones

Cattle ticks ( Rhipicephalus australis – previously known as Boophilus microplus) 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 tickborne diseases and blood loss. Cattle ticks can also transmit 3 bloodborne tick fever organisms, which cause sickness and death in cattle.

Because of these serious consequences, there are restrictions when moving livestock to:

  • tick-free parts of Queensland
  • other Australian states and territories.

Queensland’s tick zones

Queensland is divided into 2 cattle tick zones:

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

You can check these zones on the map of Queensland’s cattle tick zones.

  • If you are moving livestock between zones, you must meet the risk minimisation requirements outlined in the biosecurity manual (PDF, 1MB).
  • If you become aware of any cattle ticks in the tick-free zone, you must report this to Biosecurity Queensland by phoning 13 25 23.

Moving cattle and other high-risk livestock between zones

High-risk livestock are species that are suitable hosts for cattle ticks and pose a significant risk of spreading viable ticks. They include:

  • cattle
  • buffalo/bison
  • deer.

From the tick-infested zone to the tick-free zone

  • Follow the procedures outlined in the biosecurity manual (PDF, 1MB) to ensure you have met the risk minimisation requirements. Requirements may vary depending on the destination of the livestock.
  • Ensure that all livestock are tick-free, as specified in the biosecurity manual.
  • Provide a written declaration (PDF, 111KB) to an accredited certifier detailing the treatments undertaken to meet the risk minimisation requirements.
  • Ensure that a biosecurity certificate issued by an accredited certifier accompanies the livestock. A certifier can inspect and treat livestock either on your property or at a public clearing facility. The certifier will require that your property or the public clearing facility is suitable for safe and effective livestock inspection and treatment. The certifier will issue the certificate once they are satisfied that risk minimisation requirements have been met.
  • Also ensure that a movement record accompanies the livestock, and that you have met any prescribed NLIS requirements.

Moving horses and other low-risk livestock between zones

Low-risk livestock are species that can host cattle ticks but pose a low risk of spreading viable ticks. They include:

  • horses
  • camels
  • goats
  • sheep
  • llamas
  • vicuña
  • guanacos
  • alpacas.

From the tick-infested zone to the tick-free zone

  • Follow the procedures outlined in the biosecurity manual (PDF, 1MB) to ensure you have met the risk minimisation requirements. Requirements may vary depending on the destination of the livestock.
  • Ensure that all livestock are tick-free, as specified in the biosecurity manual. The livestock must be inspected by the owner, an experienced person or an accredited certifier to confirm they are tick-free and have met the risk minimisation requirements. However, you do not need to obtain a biosecurity certificate.
  • Also ensure that a movement record accompanies the livestock and that you have met any prescribed NLIS requirements. A declaration on the movement record must state how the risk minimisation requirements have been met.

Moving livestock within the same cattle tick zone

Within the tick-infested zone

There are generally no restrictions. However, to prevent the impact of excessive tick burdens on livestock production and welfare, you should regularly:

Remember that moving tick-infested cattle can:

  • spread ticks
  • spread acaricide (tickicide) resistance
  • introduce tick fever to new areas.

Within the tick-free zone

  • Ensure that all livestock being moved remain tick-free.
  • Report any cattle ticks detected immediately to Biosecurity Queensland by phoning 13 25 23.
  • Ensure that records verifying tick-free status accompany any livestock being moved.

Moving livestock interstate

Check the requirements of the states and/or territories you are:

  • moving to
  • transiting through.

Requirements for other states and territories:

Using saleyards and livestock agents

As a livestock owner, you must consider the risk of spreading cattle ticks when consigning cattle to a saleyard.

Find out about and ensure you meet your obligations when using saleyards and livestock agents.

More information