New Zealand appears to be lucky in having only one major livestock tick. 

Ensuring young stock are sourced from areas caught up in the outbreak of Theileriosis is still the best defence for farmers’ in areas where the disease is prevalent, says Bay Of Islands vet Garth Riddle.

Farmers are being warned to assess the risks to their herds from the tick-borne disease Theileria if they are moving stock this autumn and winter.

DairyNZ IS alerting all farmers, including graziers, to keep an eye out for signs of a tick-carried disease that causes anaemia in cattle.

FARMERS could safeguard next year’s calves against Theileria by treating cows for ticks in summer according to senior Vets North vet Mark Anderson.

BLOODTHIRSTY ADULT TICKS are on a quest right now and farmers in the North Island in tick-prevalent areas should be checking cattle and talking to their veterinarian, say DairyNZ.