Changes in cattle tick control practices in south eastern Queensland from 1977 to 1982

Results of a survey of cattle producers in south eastern Queensland in 1982 concerning cattle tick control have been compared with those of a similar survey carried out in 1977-78. During the interval between these surveys the proportion of beef farms with tick resistant (Bos indicus infusion) cattle as the main breed had increased from 47.8% to 60.0%. Chemical control methods had improved but many producers were continuing to treat their cattle more often than necessary. Over the period there was an increase in the proportion of farms with small numbers of animals, and 30% of the farms had less than 50 cattle.