THE CATTLE TICK

Hokitika Guardian, 28 February 1929, Page 2

THE CATTLE TICK

FOUND IN SOUTH ISLAND. CHRISTCHURCH, February 27. In spite of the precautions taken, it appears that the cattle tick has at last contrived to find its way into the South Island. A few weeks ago a farmer at (ioklen Ray, Nelson, found a strange insect on one of his cattle. He sent it to the Cawthron Institute for identification. Dr Miller recognised it as a cattle tick, and an inspector was sent to the district to investigate. Flo subsequently stated that the infected herd bad been thoroughly examined, and only three ticks bad been ilound. Other herds throughout the district had also been examined, but no further trace of the parasite had been found. This is the first time the tick is reported to have been found in the South Island. No suggestion is made as to how the ticks may have reached Nelson, but no time is being lost fit an endeavour to find this out. I recautious are being taken to ensure that ticks from the east coast of the North Island should not reach the South Island through importations of cattle, but protection may also he required tp. prevent ticks from coming in from the west coast of the North Island, as they are prevalent on both coasts in the Auckland province and have been found in north Taranaki. The tick flourishes best in timber land, where there is suitable breedine ground under fallen logs, etc. It would not do well on the Canterbury Plains, but on the West Coast it would he a real menace to cattle.