Vaccinate For Tick Fever

AUSTRALIA - Cattle producers have been reminded that the end of the wet season is a good time to vaccinate their animals for tick fever.
calendar icon 18 March 2010
clock icon 2 minute read

Cloncurry-based Biosecurity Queensland inspector Shane Laffey said weaners and young cattle that could be exposed to cattle ticks, now or in the future, should be given the one-off vaccine.

"Tick fever can have a devastating effect on herds, killing animals and leaving others with loss of condition, loss of milk production and reduced fertility," Mr Laffey said.

"British and European breeds of cattle are most at risk of contracting tick fever, but the condition can strike any breed of cattle."

Mr Laffey said cattle of any age could be vaccinated, but care needed to be taken when vaccinating pregnant cows. He said the optimum age for vaccination was less than nine months.

"Tick fever vaccinations take the guesswork out of tick fever control - and producers with a vaccinated herd have the peace of mind that they have minimised any potential losses.

"A vaccination program across the entire herd also safeguards the properties’ disease status for access to the live cattle export trade, and provides essential protection for properties involved in tick eradication projects."

Two tick fever vaccines are available - chilled and frozen varieties. Both vaccines provide protection against all three types of tick fever and both are a one-shot application. Immunity develops within eight weeks of the vaccination.

Mr Laffey said more information about tick fever vaccination is available at www.deedi.qld.gov.au or by contacting 13 25 23.

TheCattleSite News Desk

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