Tick fever was confirmed last Thursday following the deaths of 22 head of cattle on the Quirindi property, DPI regional veterinary officer Samantha Allan said.

“NSW DPI regulatory officers have quarantined the affected property and found cattle ticks on the stock,” Ms Allan said.

“The remaining 390 cattle on the property are being monitored closely for signs of tick fever – and will undergo a treatment program to eradicate the ticks.

“Tracing of stock movements on and off the property is also being undertaken to check the source of the disease and the potential for further spread.”

But Quirindi stock and station agent Ian Morgan was mystified yesterday when The Leader inquired about what he knew of the outbreak.

He said he’d heard about it on the radio – but, apart from that, he was unaware of the incident.

“I’ve never heard of it,” Mr Morgan, of Ian Morgan Livestock, said.

“I would suggest they were cattle that have immediately arrived here.

“Nobody seems to know where they are – which is unusual in the bush.”

Ms Allan said it was unusual for cattle ticks and tick fever to occur in the Tamworth region.

“Cattle ticks which can spread tick fever are more usually found in the north-east of the state but they can occur anywhere in NSW,” she said.

Stock owners who suspect their stock have cattle ticks or tick fever should contact NSW DPI at Wollongbar on 6626 1201.

Cattle ticks are a notifiable disease in NSW.