Biosecurity Queensland is urging horse owners to be aware of new biosecurity laws that will take effect in Queensland, Australia, on July 1.

Allison Crook, BVSc, MACVSc, general manager for Animal Biosecurity and Welfare, said it was important horse owners understood the new laws.

“A new approach to managing the cattle tick will commence from July 1, 2016,” she said. “The new framework will provide more flexibility for low-risk activities such as moving horses across the tick line.”

As the name suggests, the cattle tick primarily affects cattle and can cause reduced weight gain and milk production (thus, causing economic problems for cattle producers). It is also responsible for transmitting tick fever