James Gathany, CDC

The Asian longhorned tick was discovered on cattle in Mayes County in northeastern Oklahoma. Severe infestations can severely impact cattle, causing blood loss, decreased milk production, growth issues and death. Additionally, the ticks can spread diseases such as Theileria orientalis, leading to anemia, fever, and high mortality in cattle.

Treatment and preventative measures for the Asian longhorned tick are similar to those used currently for other ticks. Effective tick control products and pasture management, such as controlled burning and mowing, are recommended preventative measures to reduce tick populations and protect livestock from infestations.

Originating from eastern Asia, the longhorned tick has spread to Australia, New Zealand and the United States. It was first detected in 2017 on a sheep in New Jersey. This tick targets hosts at different life stages, with larvae feeding on small animals and nymphs and adults on larger animals, including humans and cattle. The tick can reproduce without mating, producing up to 2,000 eggs at a time, rapidly establishing populations in new areas.

Read more about the longhorned tick here.