(WWJ) There's a new pest in Michigan.
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development says it detected the Asian longhorned tick in the state for the first time. Two nymphs were found through routine tick surveillance efforts, which were being conducted at Grand Mere State Park in Berrien County by Calvin University.
The specimens were sent to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Veterinary Services Laboratories and confirmed June 11.
MDARD says while the tick poses a potential disease risk to all mammals and birds, the impact to livestock — specifically cattle — is a major concern. Owners are urged to work with their veterinarian to treat their animals for ticks, perform regular tick checks, and keep pastures and lawns mowed and clear of brush to help keep their animals safe and healthy.
Even though this tick is not known to carry Lyme disease, they are capable of causing tickborne diseases affecting humans and animals, such as: Rocky Mountain spotted fever, heartland virus, and Powassan virus. However, those diseases have not been confirmed outside of a laboratory setting in the United States.
"This discovery highlights the value of the contributions from our academic partners and the necessity of our continued collaboration to protect animal health throughout Michigan," said State Veterinarian Dr. Nora Wineland, DVM, MS, DACVPM. "By knowing this species of tick is in our state, we will increase our educational outreach to producers, animal owners, and animal health professionals so we can all do our part to safeguard animal and public health."
"Since the longhorned tick is an agricultural pest of concern, our research team is continuing surveillance in the region to identify the potential distribution of the species, which will help to define the risk it poses to livestock," said William Miller, Ph.D., CWB (Certified Wildlife Biologist), and Assistant Professor of Biology at Calvin University.
How did the ALHT get here?
While native to east Asia, the ALHT (Haemaphysalis longicornis) was first detected in New Jersey in 2017. Since then, it has spread to 21 other states in the eastern United States including Indiana and Ohio. The ticks can be transported through the movement of animals, people, equipment, etc.
What does it look like?
ALHTs are light brown in color and can easily be mistaken for other tick species. While the adult female grows to the size of a pea when full of blood, other stages of the tick are very small, about the size of a sesame seed or even smaller.
What are the health risks?
ALHTs have been found on various species of domestic animals (such as sheep, goats, dogs, cats, horses, cattle, and chickens) and wildlife. The tick has also been found on people.
Since female ALHTs can reproduce without mating and lay up to 2,000 eggs at a time, the ticks have been known to form large infestations on one animal, causing stress and reducing its growth and production. A severe infestation can even kill an animal due to blood loss.
What can I do?
For domestic animals, taking preventative measures and being vigilant are the best ways to protect against ALHTs and any other species of tick. Some of these strategies include:
