Emerging Threat - Asian Longhorned Ticks Spread Across Ohio

By Andi Anderson

Ohio faces a concerning invasion of Asian longhorned ticks, discovered in 2021 and rapidly spreading across at least eleven counties. Initially detected in New Jersey in 2017, these ticks, as small as sesame seeds, pose a significant risk to livestock health, particularly large animals like cattle and deer.

The infestation's severity was highlighted when a southeastern farm encountered a massive influx, resulting in the deaths of three cattle due to suspected severe blood loss from the ticks' feeding frenzy.

Dr. Risa Pesapane, an assistant professor of veterinary preventive medicine at Ohio State University, reported the initial tick discovery on a stray dog in Gallia County three years ago. With the infestation's swift spread, complete eradication seems nearly impossible, emphasizing the urgency of managing the infestations effectively.

To assist in research efforts, Ohio State University encourages public participation. Individuals suspecting an Asian longhorned tick sighting can aid ongoing surveillance by following instructions available on Ohio State's "Bite Site" website or emailing 'ticks@osu.edu' for guidance on specimen collection.

While initial screenings of these ticks for infectious agents displayed limited pathogen transmission, concerns for livestock health persist due to the ticks' rapid asexual reproduction. Each female can lay up to two thousand eggs, posing a considerable threat to livestock and wildlife.

Though these ticks currently pose no evident risk to human health, researchers remain vigilant, closely monitoring their behavior and impact on humans and companion animals.

The potential threat to farmers and animal handlers underscores the urgency in addressing these infestations. Recent collections of almost ten thousand ticks within a brief period on a Monroe County farm accentuate the urgency for effective management strategies.

Ohio State University urges vigilance and proactive measures to curb the spread and minimize the risks posed by these invasive Asian longhorned ticks.

Photo Credit: new-jersey-department-of-agriculture