By Andi Anderson
Livestock producers across the United States are paying closer attention to the growing presence of the Asian longhorn tick and its connection to cattle health issues. This invasive tick species has become a concern because of its ability to reproduce rapidly and spread diseases that can affect beef herds.
According to Dr. John Currin, Virginia Tech Veterinarian Medicine Extension Specialist, the first detection of the Asian longhorn tick in the United States occurred in 2017 on a sheep in New Jersey.
The tick is unique because it can reproduce through parthenogenesis, or asexual reproduction, meaning females do not require males to produce offspring. A single female can lay as many as 3,000 eggs, allowing populations to increase quickly. In Ohio, the first Asian longhorn tick was identified in 2020 on a stray dog in Gallia County.
The tick is commonly found in swampy areas, wooded locations, and fields with tall grass. These environments provide favorable conditions for rapid establishment and spread. Heavy infestations can create serious problems for livestock because large numbers of ticks can remove significant amounts of blood in a short period.
In severe situations, high infestations have reportedly caused the death of full-grown cattle. Ticks are often found around the ears, groin, and reproductive areas of affected animals.
An additional concern is the tick’s ability to transmit Theileria orientalis, a blood protozoan parasite that affects cattle. The disease was first recognized in the United States in 2018 and continues to attract attention as it spreads to new regions. Ohio confirmed its first case in 2022.
Explaining the disease, Dr. John Currin, Virginia Tech Veterinarian Medicine Extension Specialist, said, “Theileria orientalis Ikeda and the bacterium Anaplasma marginale cause infectious bovine anemia. Both tick-borne organisms are red blood cell parasites that lead to the destruction of the cell, causing anemia in clinically diseased animals. The clinical signs of theileriosis are the same as for anaplasmosis. It is impossible to distinguish between the two diseases based solely on clinical signs, and a laboratory diagnosis is required.”
While the disease remains a concern, not all infected animals become seriously ill. Dr. Currin noted, “Only a small number of animals that are infected with Theileria orientalis Ikeda will ever show clinical signs of disease. Cows show clinical signs over a 2-3 week period. After this initial outbreak, there are not often long-term problems.”
Researchers continue to study the tick and develop management strategies. Although controlling the Asian longhorn tick remains challenging, some insecticides have shown effectiveness.
Ongoing studies are also investigating whether the tick can survive in baled hay. As research advances, producers are encouraged to stay informed and monitor cattle closely to protect herd health and productivity.
Photo Credit: istock-emholk
Categories: Ohio, Livestock