A troubling new tick species from Asia has made its way across the United States, with Oklahoma recently reporting its first sighting.
This makes Oklahoma the 20th state to confirm the presence of the Asian longhorned tick, a concerning development given the tick’s potential to transmit severe diseases.
The Asian longhorned tick is known to carry viruses that are deadly to humans and livestock. In Asia, these ticks are responsible for killing about 15 percent of those they infect.
However, in the U.S., the only reported fatalities have been among cattle since the tick’s arrival in 2017.
The U.S. Department of Environmental Protection has identified that these ticks in America also harbor Lyme disease bacteria and a virus that can cause brain inflammation.
Oklahoma officials recently announced the first sighting of the Asian longhorned tick in Mayes County.
While this is the first confirmed sighting in the state, experts believe more ticks are likely to spread throughout the area, given the tick’s ability to reproduce without mating. A single female tick can produce thousands of offspring, establishing a new population rapidly.
The first sighting of this tick in the U.S. was recorded in New Jersey seven years ago. Since then, it has spread to various states including New York, Arkansas, North Carolina, and Virginia.
Native to eastern China, Japan, the Russian Far East, and Korea, the Asian longhorned tick’s exact route to the U.S. remains unclear. It could have arrived through imported pets, livestock, or even travelers bringing ticks back from abroad.
The Role of Pets and Prevention Measures
Dina M. Fonseca, a professor and director at the Center for Vector Biology, pointed out that pets, particularly dogs, can unwittingly help these ticks cross borders.
While no human deaths have been reported in the U.S. from these ticks, they did cause several cattle deaths in Ohio in 2023.
With the tick now in Oklahoma, state officials are advising livestock owners to keep a close eye on their animals.
Although these ticks mainly affect livestock, they can spread pathogens to other ticks that are more commonly dangerous to humans.
How to Protect Yourself and Your Pets
Residents in Oklahoma and other affected eastern states are encouraged to report any tick bites or sightings.
Asian longhorned ticks prefer pastures and meadows, so it’s important to check for ticks after spending time in these areas, especially during summer.
To protect pets and livestock, use anti-tick medication that is effective against this species.
If you find a tick attached to yourself or a pet, remove it promptly with fine-tipped tweezers or your fingers. Use a tissue or a protective barrier to avoid direct contact.
After removing the tick, clean the area with soap and water, and apply a topical antiseptic. Save the tick in a sealed plastic bag for identification by a doctor or veterinarian.
Taking these precautions can help manage the spread of the Asian longhorned tick and reduce the risk of tick-borne diseases.
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