While some were getting ready to throw thongs or clear a spot on the beach for their towel on the Australia Day 2021 public holiday, a group in the Maranoa region had a more solemn duty to do.

Cape York Peninsula property Watson River Station is being offered with more than 2400 cattle.

Some have already likened the spread of canine ehrlichiosis as akin to Covid-19 for dogs, a deadly disease which experts say places every dog in Australia at risk.