The Crisafulli Government is delivering healthier livestock by expanding a free service for cattle producers to simplify cattle dip testing for chemical compliance – reducing the risk of chemical resistance in cattle ticks and making the service more cost-effective.

Graziers in the Charters Towers can now collect a free dip test kit from the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) office in Charters Towers or their local chemical supplier and return the sample to the DPI office during business hours for testing.

Regular cattle dip testing helps reduce chemical resistance developing in cattle ticks and safeguards livestock health, supports sustainable agriculture, and protects Queensland’s industries, economy and environment.

If cattle ticks develop chemical resistance, producers have limited chemicals available to treat infestations in their herds, which can be a major barrier in effective and healthy herd management.

The expanded free service is just one of the ways the Crisafulli Government is working with graziers to manage cattle ticks.

The Crisafulli Government is delivering a range of proactive measures against cattle tick, including its innovative work at the DPI’s Queensland Tick Fever Centre, which produces and supplies the only vaccine available in Australia to protect against tick fever.

By supporting producers with expert advice and reliable vaccine access, the Tick Fever Centre is helping to secure Queensland’s reputation as a leader in livestock health and biosecurity.

During Labor’s decade of decline, we saw biosecurity safeguards across the state crumble, at one point on Labor’s watch more than 20% of the biosecurity workforce had left their post.

The Crisafulli Government is beefing up biosecurity, by delivering on our commitment to hire 100 biosecurity officers this term of government, with 40 already joining the ranks across the state.

Biosecurity officers assist in regulating movement of cattle tick carriers across the Queensland tick line, conducting surveillance in the cattle tick-free zone, and implementing restrictions on properties within the tick-free zone to stop them spreading.

Biosecurity officers also provide technical guidance to graziers in ‘restricted places’ to assist with successful eradication of cattle ticks on their properties

Minister for Primary Industries, Tony Perrett said the expanded dip testing service would play a key role in helping prevent chemical resistance in cattle ticks.

“Regular cattle dip testing is essential for protecting the health of livestock, supporting sustainable agriculture and safeguarding Queensland’s economy and environment,” Minister Perrett said.

“Whether it’s assisting with cost-effective dip testing, providing advice to graziers, or investing in research and resources to produce crucial vaccinations, we are continuing to deliver for Queensland graziers,” Minister Perrett said.

Member for Burdekin Dale Last MP said cattle producers are being assisted to meet their general biosecurity obligations, ensure their treatment is best practice and strengthen protections for graziers across the whole state.

“This free service offered by the local DPI team will make it easier for Charters Towers graziers to ensure their chemical levels are within the recommended ranges while also providing quick and reliable results.

“By maintaining correct chemical levels in their dips, producers give themselves the most cost-effective method for controlling cattle ticks and, importantly, they also reduce their risk of creating chemical resistance in cattle ticks on their properties.”

For more information about the new counter service or to learn how to prepare or submit a sample, contact the DPI on 13 25 23 or visit the DPI website.