Mar 13, 2026
Big Tick Day Out 2026
Staying in the upper North Island and following closely from Matawai Deer Park’s field day is a Waikato branch initiative – the Big Tick Day Out – on Friday 24 April.
Ticks which are becoming more widespread in NZ can cause stock discomfort, damage to velvet/coproducts and in severe cases anaemia, weakness and death of young fawns. This event brings some the country’s best tick experts together to share their knowledge, tips and tricks.
Kicking off with a Duncan NZ sponsored fallow and red deer venison BBQ lunch at 12 noon and facilitated by Ginny Dodunski (veterinarian, Waipa Advanced Party Facilitator and Wormwise Programme Manager), this is shaping up to be a big day out indeed.
There will be a wide range of speakers:
- Dr Luis Carvalho Riveron (AgResearch)
- Colin McKay (Head Vet, Elanco)
- Richard Hilson (Research Advisory Panel)
- Velvet (CK Import) and venison (Duncan NZ) processors
- Farmer experiences (Kaipara branch)
- Panel of experts Q & A session
- Including speakers above plus
- Ian Scott (Vet & Tick Tag supplier)
- Annika Ferris (Technical Expert, Agritrade)
There are also limited numbers of the 2026 Wormwise deer parasite calendar (very big and shiny!) to giveaway and a competition to guess the number of ticks on a stick of velvet.
