The grazier was spotted crossing the border at Sexton Hill near Tweed Heads on surveillance footage last week.

Cattle tick inspectors caught up with the farmer and fined him $550.

Primary industries Minister Steve Whan says the incident highlights the effectiveness of border controls in stopping cattle tick infestation.

“This brings to four the number of penalties issued for border breaches in the last six months – two involving horses at Mount Lindsay and two at Tweed Heads,” Mr Whan said.

“It also shows the effectiveness of the camera surveillance, which operates around the clock on the seven traffic crossings between tick-infested coastal Queensland and NSW.”

The government’s border control cameras capture clear images of the front and rear numberplate of vehicles, which are large enough to carry livestock.

“So far this summer there have been 35 new cattle tick infestations in NSW – all of them in the north-east corner of the State,” Mr Whan said.

Permits for border crossings need to be organised through NSW Industry and Investment or Queensland Department of Primary Industries.

Stockowners who see ticks on cattle, horse or other livestock should contact the NSW department at Wollongbar on 6626 1200.